Aboudou Habirou Kifouly*, Pierre Challaton, Esaïe Tchetan, John Dossou, Gilles-Christ Akakpo, Fréjus Zinsou and Cyrille Kodoéito Boko
In Benin, abortion significantly affects the productivity of small ruminant herds. This study assessed the impact of Chlamydia abortus on hematological and biochemical parameters in infected small ruminants in Plateau department. Blood samples from 25 infected sheep and goats across five districts were analyzed. The results showed a marked decrease in red blood cells, particularly hematocrit levels (22.7 ± 4 in Sakété). Animals under two years old also exhibited a significant drop in hematocrit levels (23.2 ± 2.9). In the white blood cell lineage, there was a substantial decrease in neutrophils (22.8 ± 2.4 in Ifangni), lymphocytes (39.0 ± 4.8 in Kétou), and an increase in monocytes (7.3 ± 2.1 in Pobè) and basophils (4.0 ± 1.8 in Adja-Ouèrè). Among animals under two years old and those that had aborted once, only lymphocyte levels showed a significant decrease (38.2 ± 5.5* and 38.9 ± 5.3* respectively). Biochemical analysis indicated elevated globulin levels (6.0 ± 1.6 in Kétou) and total protein (8.7 ± 1.5 in Pobè, 8.8 ± 3.0 in Kétou), while total protein and albumin levels decreased in Ifangni (4.4 ± 2.1) and Adja-Ouèrè (1.9 ± 0.2). Increased total protein levels were noted in animals under two years old (8.2 ± 3.3) and those that had aborted (8.5 ± 3.0). Hepatic profiles showed increased total bilirubin in Pobè. Ionic profile results revealed decreased calcium (8.5 ± 1.3) and sodium (134.2 ± 5.6) in Adja-Ouèrè, with increased phosphorus (6.2 ± 2.8 in Ifangni, 5.3 ± 1.8 in Sakété) and magnesium (2.9 ± 0.2 in Ifangni) levels. The study concludes that infection in these animals leads to hypochromic anemia, renal function disruption, and phospho-calcic metabolism imbalance, evident from the low red and white blood cell parameters, and altered biochemical and ionic profiles.
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