Abnormalities in Serum Proteins in the Course of Babesiosis in Dogs

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the serum protein electrophoresis pattern in dogs infected with B. canis, and correlation between haematocrit and albumin/globulin ratio. The infection with B. canis was confirmed by PCR and sequencing of PCR products. Total serum protein concentrations were determined by a clinical chemistry analyser. Albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2-, and γ-globulin concentrations were assayed by densitometric analysis after electrophoretic separation of serum proteins on agarose gel. The most common disorders in affected dogs were decreased α-globulin fractions, increased β-globulin concentration, increased albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, and hypoglobulinaemia. A decrease in α1and α2-globulin concentration was detected accordingly in 54.8% and 32.3% of dogs. An increase in β1and β2-globulin concentration, and increased A/G ratio was detected accordingly in 38.7%, 51.6%, and 38.7% of dogs. Hypoglobulinaemia was detected in 32.3% dogs. Changes detected in this study probably result from haemolysis, hypertransferrinaemia, increased C3a protein concentration (complement), and dehydration.