Background: Eimeriosis causes inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, leading to excessive mucus, epithelial shedding, and bleeding. It affects newborns and offspring aged 2 to 3 weeks, causing 80% of diarrhea cases and 43.3% mortality in offspring between 1 and 2 months. This study evaluated the prevalence and parasitic load of Eimeria and its effect on hematological parameters and blood biochemistry (albumin, globulin and total protein) in alpacas. 
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Methods: Fecal and blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture from 42 alpacas aged 1 to 2 months at two time points (T1 and T2, 30 days apart). Fecal samples were analyzed using the modified McMaster method and blood samples were examined using a colorimetric-spectrophotometric technique. A t-test compared time points and Pearson&rsquo;s correlation tested associations between variables. 
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Result: The mean parasitic load was 8485.71 Oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) at T1 and 2400.00 at T2. Blood analysis results were: Hematocrit (Hto) (%): 31.86 (T1) and 13.47 (T2); Red blood cells (RBC) (x10v/&mu;L): 9.39 and 3.27; White blood cells (WBC) (x10&sup3;/&mu;L): 11.47 and 9.38; Neutrophils (Neu) (%): 50.14 and 49.98; Monocytes (Mon): 15.45 and 16.33. Hto, RBC and WBC values were altered, while Total protein (TP) (4.44 and 4.80), Albumin (3.57 and 4.00) and Globulim (0.87 and 0.80) were below normal ranges. A negative correlation was found between RBC and OPG (-0.42) and a positive correlation between parasitic load and neutrophils (0.31). Monocytes and OPG showed a moderate inverse correlation (-0.39 and -0.43). Eimeria spp. negatively affected hematological parameters but had no impact on albumin, globulin and total protein levels.

Effect of&nbsp; Infestation Level of Eimeria spp. on Hematological Parameters and Blood Biochemistry (Albumins, Globulins and Total Proteins) in Alpaca

Effect of Infestation Level of Eimeria spp. on Hematological Parameters and Blood Biochemistry (Albumins, Globulins and Total Proteins) in Alpaca