Investigation of Serum Biochemical and Oxidative Stress Markers in Calves Infected with Cryptosporidium.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Cryptosporidium infection observed in calves in Iğdır, Türkiye, on oxidative stress parameters and biochemical indicators. This study is of great importance for better understanding the pathogenesis of the infection and developing effective intervention strategies. METHODS: A total of 65 calf fecal samples were collected and evaluated using a rapid diagnostic test and carbol fuchsin staining method. Oxidative stress and biochemical analyses were performed using serum samples from infected calves exhibiting diarrhea symptoms, as well as healthy uninfected calves. In this context, total thiols, natural thiols, disulphides, natural thiol/total thiol ratios, disulphide/natural thiol ratios, disulphide/total thiol ratios, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity, as well as urea, creatinine, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), which reflect liver function, were measured. RESULTS: Positivity was detected in 24/50 (48%) calves with diarrhea symptoms and in 2/15 (13.3%) healthy calves. In infected calves, statistically significant increases were observed in disulphide levels, disulphide/natural thiol ratio, ADA activity, uric acid levels, and ALT activity compared to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The data obtained reveal that cryptosporidiosis may cause cellular damage by increasing the oxidative stress response in calves and may affect liver function. The study emphasises the need for more comprehensive research on the pathogenesis of the infection and highlights the critical role of early diagnosis and effective treatment approaches in combating the infection.