Serum Biochemical Alterations in Naturally Acquired Bubalian Tropical Fasciolosis

Buffaloes are the important multipurpose farm animals in the Indian sub-continent, contributing signifi cantly to meat and milk production. Tropical fasciolosis caused by Fasciola gigantica is regarded as one of the most important diseases of buffaloes in humid tropical regions of the world. Bio-chemical changes are regarded as important indicators for actual pathogenesis and clinical diagnosis. Serum samples were collected randomly from buffaloes (n=100) slaughtered at a local abattoir. Serum biochemical parameters have been compared between the Fasciola positive and the negative groups. The present study revealed that there was a highly signifi cant difference (P<0.01) between the bilirubin direct and bilirubin total levels in the positive and negative groups. The albumin (3.44±0.09 g/dl) and total protein (12.09±0.41 g/dl) in affected animals were reduced when compared with the negative group. Aspartate aminotransferase was reported higher in positive animals (233.11±6.35 IU/L) as compared to negative (217.09±6.32 IU/L). Alkaline phosphatase values were found similar in both the groups. The fi ndings of this study revealed that detection of biochemical alterations especially bilirubin can be used as an early indicator of pathophysiological changes caused by F. gigantica in buffaloes.