Haemotological indices of <i>Oryctolagus cuniculus</i> (New Zealand Rabbit) experimentally infected with <i>Trypanosoma brucei brucei</i> treated with <i>Diminazene Diaceturate (Sequzene)</i> in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the haematological indices of experimentally inoculated O. cuniculus (New Zealand Rabbit) with T. b. brucei at a concentration of 1.5 x 106 then treated with Diminazine diaceturate (Sequzene) for twenty one (21) days. A total of thirty rabbits of both sexes were divided into six groups (A-F) of five (5) animals each. Group A were infected with T. b. brucei only but untreated, while Group B were uninfected, untreated control. Group C was infected with T. b. brucei and treated with Sequzene at 3.5 mg/kg, while Group D was infected and treated with the drug at 7.0 mg/kg body weight. Group E were uninfected with T. b. brucei and treated with Sequzene at 3.5 mg/kg and Group F was uninfected and treated at 7.0 mg/kg of the same drug. Physical symptoms were monitored daily and blood samples taken at seven days intervals then analysed for haematological parameters according to standard laboratory techniques. Physical signs observed include dullness, weakness, anorexia, weight loss, increased respiration, starry hairs and corneal opacity in the infected groups. The major haematological changes observed were anaemia characterized by a significant decline (p<0.05) in mean packed cell volume (PCV). Other changes observed were significant decline in haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts at p<0.05 respectively. Rabbits in group A showed nervous disorder (convulsion) at the point of death. As the disease progressed in all infected groups, neutropenia, lymphopenia and monocytosis increased leading to death. However, the haematological parameters showed signs of restoration in groups treated with Sequzene.

Keywords: Haematological; O. cuniculus (New Zealand Rabbit); T. b. brucei anaemia.