Erythrocytic oxidative stress indices, biochemical and trace mineral milieu in yaks with persistent haemorrhagic diarrhoea associated with enterovirulent Escherichia coli

The present study was designed to enumerate the antioxidant status and trace mineral profile of yaks with haemorrhagic diarrhoea associated with enterovirulent E. coli. The study was conducted in 15 yaks with haemorrhagic diarrhoea and with PCR based evidence for enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) infection. A significant rise of ALT activity, marginally significant increase of BUN and serum creatinine level, marginally significant fall of blood glucose level, and no significant changes in AST activity and serum protein were recorded in affected yaks. Persistent haemorrhagic diarrhoea resulted into significant increase in MDA, protein carbonylation and reactive nitrogen species level, but decreased SOD and catalase activity. Iron, copper and zinc concentrations in plasma were reduced, whereas cobalt and mnganese concentrations remain unaltered in the affected population.