Abstract
Changes in serum protein were investigated in dogs infected with Ancylostoma caninum by using paper electrophoresis. Among changes in the serum protein components which occurred as a result of natural and experimental infection, a tendency was observed that albumin decreased and the globulin fractions increased relatively. In severe ancylostomiasis, alteration in the serum protein fractions was strongly in evidence and a marked rise in alpha-2 globulin was especially recognized. The relations of the serum protein changes to age and severity of anemia were studied. It was observed that the serum protein changes mentioned above were more significant in puppies and young dogs than in adult dogs both in natural and experimental infection. Moreover, the albumin fraction showed a remarkable decrease with progress in anemia. On the other hand, a remarkable rise was observed in the alpha-2 glycoprotein fraction in severe cases, but no notable changes were found in the lipoprotein fractions. Gros test revealed an increase of the positive cases in severe ancylostomiasis, meanwhile no remarkable changes were observed in serum total cholesterol values. Dogs subjected to experimental anemia due to bloodletting exhibited a decrease in the albumin fraction and a marked increase in the alpha-2 globulin in the serum. These changes in the protein fractions occurred immediately after bloodletting.
