Hematological and Biochemical Analysis of Sheep Naturally Infected with Toxoplasma Gondii and Neospora Caninum

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Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are recognized as significant causes of reproductive issues in sheep; however, studies examining the impact of natural infections on clinical pathology parameters remain limited.Objectives: To determine whether natural infections by Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum may influence hematological and biochemical parameters. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 119 sheep in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and divided into four groups based on the presence of IgG antibodies: anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum. The tests used were MAT and ELISA. Results: T. gondii-infected animals had significantly increased values for the MCV, MCHC, and the number of basophils compared to the seronegative group (P<0.05). The number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and segmented neutrophils was statistically lower in the infected group than in the uninfected group. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the hematological and serum biochemical parameters between the N. caninum-infected and uninfected sheep. Increasing T. gondii antibody titers also did not interfere with any analyzed parameters (P>0.05). Conclusion: No significant changes were observed in the hematological and serum biochemical parameter values among sheep infected with N. caninum. Analyzing the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of sheep naturally infected with Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum would not aid in diagnosing these diseases.