Experimental studies on the efficacy of artesunate and oxytetracycline combination against induced BTT in crossbred calves

The efficacy of artesunate in combination with oxytetracycline was assessed in order to evolve an alternative to standard chemotherapeutic agents agai nst bovine tropical theileriosis (BTT). Experimental induction of BTT in 12 crossbred male calves with ground up tick supernates prepared from Hyalorn ina anatolicum anatolicum infected with Theileria annulata resulted in sign ificant (P < 0.01) decrease in TEC, TLC, Hb, PCV, MCHC, total protein and t otal serum albumin, and significant (P < 0.01) increase in body temperature , pulse rate, respiration rate, MCV, total serum bilirubin, alkaline phosph atase and globulin. The calves were divided into 2 groups, A and B, each ha ving 6 calves. All the calves in group B (infected control and provided onl y supportive therapy) died manifesting typical symptoms and lesions of thei leriosis, In group A (treated with artesunate + oxytetracycline + supportiv e therapy), 2 calves died and the remaining (including the one with cerebra l theileriosis) were clinically cured. Thus the efficacy of artesunate in c ombination with oxytetracycline was 66.67% and it is suggested that this co mbination can be used in the treatment of BTT.