Assessment of cholinesterase activity and hepatic biofunction in dogs naturally infected with Babesia gibsoni

Canine babesiosis is a common tick-borne disease affecting canidae of tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This study investigated the activity of cholinergic system enzymes and hepatic biofunction in dogs naturally infected with Babesia gibsoni. An infected group comprised 10 male dogs (stray and shepherd), and 10 healthy dogs as control were included in the study. Hematological parameters and activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were measured. The biomarkers of hepatic function including the activities of various enzymes, total bilirubin levels, and albumin contents were also assessed. The infected animals revealed a significant decrease in RBC count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, albumin content, and BchE activity compared with the control animals. However, the activities of AChE and hepatic enzymes as well as bilirubin levels were significantly higher in the diseased animals. Our results indicate that B. gibsoni infection can change the activities of AChE and BChE and damage liver. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of the cholinergic system in the pathogenesis of canine babesiosis.