[HEMATOLOGY AND BLOOD CHEMISTRY OF THE HERRING GULL LARUS ARGENTATUS INFESTED BY CESTODES DIPHYLLOBOTHRIUM DENDRITICUM (CESTODA: DIPHYLLOBOTHRIIDAE)].

Abstract

Hematological and plasma biochemical analyses and parasitological detection were carried out in the herring gull Larus argentatus. Hematological and plasma biochemical parameters in uninfected gulls and gulls infected by Diphyllobothrium dendriticum (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae) were compared. Hemoglobin content and numbers of erythrocytes were reduced; numbers of leukocytes and sorption capacity of erythrocytes were improved in blood of the infected herring gulls. Hematological index (eosinophil/lymphocyte ratio) in infected gulls increased 1.8 times in comparison with eosinophil/lymphocyte ratio in uninfected gulls. Metabolic imbalances in herring gulls infected by D. dendriticum were determined. Levels of the total protein, phospholipids, triglyceride, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and sodium, and the activity of alkaline phosphatase decreased in plasma blood of infected gulls; at the same time, the content of the uric acid, glucose, modified albumin and circulatory immune complex and activities of transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase had increased. It is assumed that the obtained results testify to the appearance of abnormalities in the digestion processes and the activity of immune and circulatory systems caused by the invasion of gulls with D. dendriticum. 375