Mixed Infection by Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma centrale in Buffalo: A Short Follow-Up of a Case: Mixed Infection by Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma centrale in Buffalo

Qaisar Jamal; Mehmood Ul Hussan; Fahad Ali; . Israil; Farooq Shah; Jamal Shah

doi:10.54393/mjz.v6i3.188

Authors

Qaisar Jamal Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
Mehmood Ul Hussan Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
Fahad Ali Department of Wildlife, Peshawar Zoo, Peshawar, Pakistan
. Israil Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
Farooq Shah Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
Jamal Shah Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/mjz.v6i3.188

Keywords:

Anaplasmosis, A. marginale, A. centrale, Buffalo, Veterinary Practice

Abstract

The buffaloes with mixed infections of Anaplasma marginale and A. centrale may cause severe clinical manifestation and difficulty in treatment, particularly in the field setting when diagnostic facilities are limited. Objectives: To report about a case of mixed Anaplasma infection in a buffalo heifer, explain clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis, response to treatment, and emphasize on the significance of evidence-based management. Methods: A buffalo heifer with clinical presentation of fever, emaciation, weight loss, shortness of breath, cough, anemia, fatigue, isolation with the herd, and anorexia were studied. Giemsa-stained thin blood smears were used to conduct laboratory diagnosis to confirm the presence of A. marginale and A. centrale. Stool was examined on metazoan parasites. The animal was given three normal doses of oxytetracycline with antipyretics and multivitamins separated by an interval of 24 hours. It was also observed that prior empirical treatments were done by local veterinary technicians. Results: Laboratory analysis proved the presence of both A. marginale and A. centrale. Stool analysis had a negative metazoan parasite. The buffalo never responded to the oxytetracycline treatment that was administered to him, and antipyretics made his symptoms only short-lived. Earlier treatments that were not validated in a laboratory were not effective. Conclusions: The case in question highlights the need to test anaplasmosis unambiguously in the laboratory in terms of appropriate diagnosis and therapeutic management. It also points out the issues which are related to lack of standardization of treatment practices and poor diagnostic facilities in the field setting.

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