Circulating redox status in sheep infected with dermatophytosis: a field study

D ermatophyte infection caused by Trichophyton verrucosum has a substantial impact on animal and human health. The present work aimed to determine the reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxides (indicated by malondialdehyde, MDA) and measuring the oxidative stress index (OSI), in addition to investigation of some hematological and trace elements in sheep with dermatophytosis. T. verrucosum was diagnosed clinically and mycologically in 12 young sheep with mild infection (1-2 lesions, each with an approximate diameter of 2-4 cm) and 9 with severe lesions (covering more than a quarter of the head and ear), as well as 12 age- and gender-matched healthy control individuals. In comparison to controls, red blood cell count, packed cell volume and hemoglobin did not differ (P > 0.05) in the infected group, whereas leukocytic count increased (P < 0.05) in the severely infected group accompanied by neutrophilia, monocytosis and eosinophilia. Plasma Zn decreased (P < 0.05) in the severely infected group but Cu did not differ (P > 0.05) between groups. There was a progressive increase in the ROM in mild (P < 0.05) and severely infected group (P < 0.01) than the controls. The SOD activity and TAC were higher (P < 0.05) in the mild infected group, and lower in the severely infected group (P < 0.05). MDA and OSI did not change (P > 0.05) in the mild, but increased (P < 0.01) in the severely infected group. As a conclusion, sheep with severe infections by T. verrucosum exhibits disturbance in the leukogram, and Zn deficiency, associated with enhanced prooxidants and impaired antioxidant potential, suggesting an oxidative stress status.