Diagnosis and clinical management of caprine anaplasmosis

Abstract

Anaplasmosis is a major tick-borne disease affecting goats with considerable economic implications in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Early diagnosis of the disease is crucial for effective management and control. This study aimed to diagnose Anaplasma infection in goats presented to SAQTVH, CVASU using advanced diagnostic approaches, including Giemsa staining for microscopic detection and molecular techniques for precise identification. Four goats with clinical signs of anaplasmosis were assessed. The affected patients had history of fever, severe anemia with pale mucous membrane and watery blood. Microscopic examination of blood revealed Anaplasma-like inclusion bodies within RBC, while 16S rRNA gene amplification by PCR assay confirmed the infection. Hematological analysis revealed leukocytosis. Treatment with oxytetracycline, imidocarb dipropionate, dexamethasone, and vitamin B complex resulted in clinical improvement and negative PCR results after 14 days. The findings showed that the combination of microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smear and PCR enhances the early detection and effective management of anaplasmosis in goats.