Levels of Serum 25 (OH) D3 in Naturally Infected Lambs With Giardia duodenalis

Giardia duodenalis is a binuclear flagellated protozoan that can infect birds, reptiles and many mammals. The pathogen is one of the most important causes of diarrhea in humans and farm animals. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in naturally infected lambs with Giardia duodenalis. The animal material of the study was used Sak？z sheep which had naturally infected with Giardia duodenalis between 15-35 days of age from the Ayd？n region (n = 30), healthy lambs in the same age range (n = 15) and both sexes. Sterile stool samples with the method of rectal touching of fecal samples from infected and healthy animals, blood samples were obtained in a total of 5 ml of v.jugularis according to the technique in order to determine serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels. Giardia screening was performed by direct microscopic examination of stool samples. 25-OH-D levels were measured with Savant brand fluorescent immunoassay device from the obtained serum samples. Mann-Whitney U test was used in statistical analysis. Statistically significant changes were observed in 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels of healthy and natural infected animals (p <0.05)