Comparison of blood electrolyte and biochemical parameters between single infections of rotavirus and Cryptosporidium parvum in diarrheic Hanwoo calves
- Author:
Seungmin HA
1
;
Seogjin KANG
;
Kwang-Man PARK
;
Ji-Yeong KU
;
Kyoung-Seong CHOI
;
Jinho PARK
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Veterinary Science 2022;23(6):e85-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Neonatal calf diarrhea is a major problem in the cattle industry worldwide.Rotavirus and Cryptosporidium parvum are the primary causative agents, especially during the first three weeks of the calf ’s life.
Objectives:This study investigated the differences in acid-base, electrolytes, and biochemical parameters of diarrheic calves with infection of either rotavirus or C. parvum.
Methods:A total of 61 Korean native calves (≤ 20 days old) were divided into two groups based on rotavirus or C. parvum infections: rotavirus infection (n = 44) and C. parvum infection (n = 17). The calves with at a specific blood pH range (pH 6.92–7.25) were chosen for comparison. The acid-base, electrolyte, chemistry, and serum proteins were analyzed, Further, fecal examinations were performed.
Results:Compared to C. parvum-infected calves, the rotavirus-infected calves showed lower levels of total carbon dioxide, bicarbonate (HCO3− ), anion gap, total protein, and albumin/ globulin ratio, and significantly lower levels of potassium, globulin, and α2-globulin (p < 0.05). The C. parvum-infected calves (r = 0.749) had stronger correlations between pH and HCO3− than the rotavirus-infected calves (r = 0.598). Compared to rotavirus-infected calves, strong correlations between globulin and α2-globulin, α2-globulin and haptoglobin were identified in C. parvum-infected calves.
Conclusions:This study is the first to investigate acid-base, electrolyte, and biochemical parameters in calves in response to infections of rotavirus and C. parvum. Although rotavirus and C. parvum cause malabsorptive and secretory diarrhea in similar-aged calves, blood parameters were different. This would help establish the diagnostic and treatment strategies.
