The Correlation Between Neopterin, Myeloperoxidase and Oxidative DNA Damage in Sheep With Natural Babesiosis

Abstract

Aim: The present study was designed to investigate the correlation between neopterin, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and DNA damage in sheep naturally infected with babesiosis. Materials and Methods: The study included 40 sheep Akkaraman, 1-3 years aged, with 20 healthy individuals (control group) and 20 naturally infected with babesiosis (patient group). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein into biochemical tubes from all sheep. The cause of the disease was confirmed through smear tests and PCR analysis. Neopterin, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG) levels were measured using an ELISA method. Results: Neopterin and 8-OHdG levels were significantly lower in the control group compared to the patient group (P<0.05). Although myeloperoxidase were higher in the patient group, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05) Conclusion: In this study, a significant increase in neopterin and oxidative DNA damage, which are indicators of an immunological response, was observed in sheep with babesiosis. Neopterin in particular can be considered as an important marker of the immunological response to babesiosis. © 2024 Selcuk Universitesi, Veteriner Fakultesi. All rights reserved.