Experimental Infestation of Dogs with <i>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</i> (Brown Dog Tick) and its Effects on Haematological and Biochemical Parameters

Abstract

Ticks    as vectors are responsible for the maintenance and transmission of many pathogens affecting domestic animals and humans. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of experimental infestation of R. sanguineus (brown dog ticks). Four dogs of about eight months of age were used in this study. There was significant (p<0.05) reduction in RBC, PCV and Hb concentration of dogs experimentally infested with R. sanguineus from week one through week eight of the experiment. Also, the activities of liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly (p <0.05) increased from week one through week eight of the experiment. Similarly, lipid profiles such as triglycerides (TAG), total cholesterol and metabolites such blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were significantly (P<0.05)   higher from week one through week eight of the experiment. In addition, significant electrolyte loss was also observed in this study. In conclusion, experimental R. sanguineus tick infestation could result in anaemia and predispose to hepatic and renal damage with resultant cardiovascular dysfunction and ultimately death in both domestic and wild animals.

Keywords: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, anaemia, liver damage, renal injury, cardiovascular dysfunction