Serum Protein Fraction Profile in Sheep Infected With Sarcoptes Ovis

Abstract

Scabies is an ectoparasitic infestation that is rapidly transmitted to sheep of any age. The present study was conducted to identify the significance of serum protein fractions in the diagnosis and treatment of animals infected by Sarcoptes ovis. The study group included 1-4 years old 18 Akkaraman sheeps with excessive itching and molting and infected with natural Sarcoptes ovis scabies and the control group included 1-4 years old 18 healthy sheeps, a total of 36 sheeps were included in the present study. Serum protein fractions were determined with the cellulose-acetate electrophoresis method in collected blood samples. There were no significant differences between total protein and α-2 globulin serum protein concentrations in the study and control groups. Although α-1, β-globulin and albumin concentrations were statistically higher in the patient group, gamma globulin levels decreased in the patient group (P<0.05). While the percentage (%) g protein did not differ based on α-2 globulin when compared to control, α-1, beta globulin, albumin and A/G ratio statistically increased in the patient group when compared to the control (P<0.05). There was a significant decrease in gamma globulins in the patient group when compared to the control (P<0.01). It was concluded that monitoring the serum protein parameters might be significant in the follow-up and treatment of scabies in sheep. © 2020 Ataturk Universitesi. All rights reserved.