Evaluation of serum homocysteine and cardiac troponin I in sheep with theileriosis in Urmia city

Theileriosis is an important protozoal disease of domestic animals with a substantial role in reduction of production (milk and meat). The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum homocysteine and cardiac troponin I as biomarkers of cardiovascular damage in sheep affected by theileriosis based on gender and breed in Urmia city. After diagnosis of theileriosis based on clinical and laboratory symptoms, 30 infected sheep were selected (15 Ghezel breed and 15 Makouei breed) with 8 males and 7 females from each breed. Meanwhile, the same number of healthy sheep (based on sex and breed) were selected as healthy group. Thereafter, blood samples were taken from the jugular vein in both groups and the previously mentioned parameters were measured and evaluated statistically. The results showed a significant increase (p≤0.05) in all parameters in diseased sheep in comparison to healthy ones. In terms of gender, significant increase in all parameters were observed in males compared with females and in the case of breed, there was a significant difference between the Makouei breed with healthy sheep and Ghezel with healthy ones (p≤ 0.05). Overall, it can be concluded that increase of serum homocysteine and cardiac troponin I in sheep with theileriosis, especially in males, could be a warning that careful attention should be paid to the prevention and treatment of sheep with theileriosis.