Hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress studies of lumpy skin disease virus infection in cattle

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an important disease of cattle. This study was conducted to determine alterations in hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress markers in cattle that have been naturally infected with LSD virus (LSDV). Blood samples and skin nodular lesions were collected from clinically infected, recovered and healthy animals. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to screen for Capripoxvirus DNA in samples from clinically infected animals. Hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress markers were measured. LSDV nuclic acids were detected in the collected samples using PCR. Hematological results revealed erythrocytosis, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia in infected cattle. Biochemical analyses showed that total protein and globulin levels were significantly elevated, while albumin and glucose were significantly reduced in these cattle. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and creatinine levels were markedly elevated. Moreover, serum levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were markedly lowered, whereas lipid peroxidation (MDA) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and TNF-) were elevated. Recovered cattle exhibited significant amelioration of the alterations resulting from LSDV infection. The results of this study suggest that LSDV infection induces changes in hematological and biochemical parameters and stimulates oxidative stress; these findings may be helpful for choosing a good strategy for rapidly detecting and diagnosing LSDV infection.