The Role of Acute-Phase Proteins as Biomarkers for Health and Disease in Camels: A Comprehensive Review

AbstractThis review highlights the importance of acute phase proteins (APPs) as key biomarkers in both healthy and sick camels (Camelus dromedarius). The study of APPs in camels has gained significant interest in recent years due to their potential roles in health, disease diagnosis and immunological responses. This review provides an overview of their roles in maintaining physiological balance and their possible applications in veterinary diagnostics, examining how APPs are influenced by factors such as age, sex, pregnancy, lactation, postpartum changes and male reproductive aspects. It discusses camels’ responses to various clinical conditions, including trypanosomosis, pneumonia, mastitis, urinary and genital tract infections, as well as transportation stress. The APPs act as early indicators of physiological disturbances and disease, making them valuable tools for monitoring animal health. The review also examines the significance of APPs in identifying subclinical infections and monitoring disease progression. Due to their sensitivity to physiological and pathological stimuli, APPs present a promising avenue for advancing camel medicine through early diagnosis, prognosis and treatment monitoring. This review aims to synthesise existing research on APPs in camels, focusing on their biological significance, response to various stressors and potential applications in clinical practice. It also emphasises the need for future research to establish reference ranges, understand species-specific APP responses and develop reliable assays for clinical application. Ultimately, this review highlights the potential of APPs to significantly improve health outcomes and enhance disease management in camels, instilling hope and optimism in their utilisation.