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The current survey was designed to study the infections of Theileria spp. (Theileria lestoquardi and T. ovis) in small ruminants through PCR and microscopy in Musa Pak Shaheed, Multan district, Pakistan amidst 2013. A total of 200 small ruminants (93 sheep and 107 goats) without any apparent signs of theileriosis were examined to diagnose Theileria piroplasms. During sampling, blood was amassed by puncturing the jugular vein in eppendorf comprising EDTA as anticoagulant coated tubes for the detection of Theileria piroplasms. DNA was extracted from collected samples and subjected to PCR amplification to determine ovine and caprine theileriosis. Through a questionnaire, the data regarding animals as well as herds characteristics were gathered to define the risk factors favors the spread of Theileria spp. infection. 24% and 8.5% Theileria infection identified through PCR and microscopic examination during present investigation. The PCR detected 14.5% and 9.5% Theileria piroplasms infection in sheep and goats, respectively. Among Theileria species, PCR identified the incidence of T. lestoquardi and T. ovis was 16.5% and 5% respectively while 6% blood samples revealed mixed infection of both species in overall small ruminants. The infection rate of T. lestoquardi was higher (9.5% and 7%) than T. ovis (3% and 2%) in sheep and goats respectively. Statistically significant correlation revealed between theileriosis and animal species, different age groups, presence of ticks, herd size and herd composition in small ruminants. The outcomes of the current survey ratified PCR amplification is discernible, specific and sensitive assay for diagnosis of ovine and caprine theileriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babesia infections in sheep can cause a wide range of clinical and laboratory presentations. Changes in blood parameters are a meaningful manifestation of physiological and pathological changes in an organism. Aim: Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze and compare hematological and biochemical parameters between blood profiles of Lohi sheep naturally infected and uninfected with Babesia ovis, the main causative agent of ovine babesiosis. Methods: Initially, blood and serum samples from 67 Lohi sheep were collected, DNA was extracted and babesial infection was detected through polymerase chain reaction. The overall infection rate of B. ovis was 37% (25/67). Sixteen infected (experiment group) and 16 uninfected (control group) sheep that were apparently healthy with no history of previous treatment for babesiosis, were selected for hemato-biochemical analysis. Blood samples were analyzed through an automatic CBC analyzer, while serum collected from gel vacutainers was analyzed for blood urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and total bilirubin. Each parameter was compared between infected and uninfected animals using a paired t-test in Minitab Express™ software for statistical analyses. Results: Erythron comparison showed a highly significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in RBC, hemoglobin, and Hct. A nonsignificant increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), and RDW- standard deviation (RDW-SD), while a nonsignificant decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and MCH concentration (MCHC) values was recorded in infected sheep. Leukon comparison showed a significantly low level of total leukocyte (p < 0.001) in infected sheep. Platelet (Plt) along with platelet crit (Pct) and platelet distribution width (PDW) were nonsignificantly higher, whereas a nonsignificant decrease in mean Plt volume was recorded in infected sheep as compared to uninfected animals. Among biochemical parameters, blood urea, BUN, and total bilirubin showed significant differences (p < 0.05), while creatinine showed a nonsignificant difference. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on hemato-biochemical changes associated with babesiosis in the Lohi breed. Consistent with hemolytic anemia, these data would justify physical examination and, together with the medical history, would provide an excellent basis for the diagnosis of babesiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spices are an essential part of our food preparations and are considered a potential source of health-protective components. However, spices may also contain some toxic substances primarily aflatoxins and heavy metals. This study aimed to quantify the level of total aflatoxins and three most toxic heavy metals i.e. lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in commercially available non-branded and branded spices. Furthermore, risk assessment through aflatoxins and heavy metals was performed by computing the values of Margin of Exposure (MOE) and Total Hazard Quotient (THQ), respectively. The concentration of aflatoxins was recorded higher in non-branded spices while heavy metals especially Pb was recorded higher in branded spices. MOE values for aflatoxins through spices consumption indicated that all age group of people were consuming aflatoxins above the threshold level. The THQ values for heavy metals toxicity assessment were found within the acceptable ranges. Females, especially above 24 years of age, were found at more risk as compared to male, due to their higher intake rate of spices. • Aflatoxins and heavy metals were quantified in branded and non-branded spices. • Branded spices were found less contaminated as compared to non-branded. • Margin of Exposure values indicated the chances of toxicity in all age groups. • Total Hazard Quotient values for heavy metals were found within safe ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]