Electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins in horses with babesiosis

Abstract

Serum electrophoresis in cellulose acetate strips is a technique commonly used to separate the protein fractions. This technique allows detecting quantitative and qualitative changes in the serum proteins associated with different diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the changes of the serum protein fractions produced in horses suffering from babesiosis and to evaluate its application in its diagnosis. Serum total proteins were calculated and the serum electrophoresis from 53 horses was performed. Animals were classified in two groups: Group I (19 healthy horses) and Group II (34 horses suffering from babesiosis). Babesiosis was diagnosed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay. Data obtained in the group of sick horses were compared with those from the healthy horses. Median values from total proteins and γ-globulins fraction were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that observed for the control group. In addition, a statistically significant increase was observed (P < 0.05) in the values of α₂-globulin subfraction in the sick horses. Results obtained in this study allow concluding that the most significant alteration observed in the serum electrophoretic pattern of horses suffering from babesiosis is the increase of α₂-globulin and γ-globulin fractions.