Assessment of Serum Biochemical Indices in Trypanosoma brucei-Infected Cattle in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria

Trypanosomiasis remains a significant constraint on cattle productivity across the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, particularly in Adamawa State where the tsetse belt sustains endemic transmission. This study assessed the serum biochemical indices, including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, albumin, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen, in naturally infected Zebu cattle presented to veterinary clinics in Yola and its environs. A total of ninety cattle were recruited and grouped into infected and non-infected cohorts following parasitological confirmation using the buffy coat technique. Blood samples collected by jugular venipuncture were processed within two hours of collection to obtain serum for enzymatic and metabolite analysis using standard spectrophotometric methods. Results indicated statistically significant elevations in hepatic enzymes and reductions in total protein and albumin concentrations in infected animals compared to healthy controls, reflecting hepatocellular compromise and negative nitrogen balance attributable to the infection. Creatinine levels were mildly elevated, suggesting early renal involvement. These findings underscore the multi-organ biochemical disruption occasioned by bovine trypanosomiasis and highlight the diagnostic value of serum biochemistry in disease monitoring. The study recommends integration of routine biochemical profiling into trypanosome control programmes in endemic regions of North East Nigeria. Keywords: trypanosomiasis, serum biochemistry, cattle, Adamawa, hepatic enzymes.