Abstract of research

Biochemical role of zinc oxide and propolis nanoparticles in protection rabbits against coccidiosis

Afaf D. Abd El Megid1 , Mohamed Khaled1 , Mahmoud Abdeleghaffar Emam2 , Amira Adel1

Abstract

Coccidiosis is a protozoan infection of animals which causes growth retardation and high mortality in rabbits. There are two forms of coccidiosis were recognized in rabbits; hepatic and intestinal coccidiosis. The hepatic coccidiosis is due to Eimeria stiedae cause severe damage for liver which leads to death. Nanotechnology is the most important technology in our life where the use of nanotechnology in medicine offers some exciting possibilities. So, this study uses zinc oxide nanoparticles as chemical therapy and propolis nanoparticles as natural therapy. Twenty male rabbits aged 1 - 2 months and weighting 1250 – 1400 gm was used. Animals were divided into 4 groups (5 animals per each): control negative group; uninfected male rabbits and saved healthy, control positive group; infected male rabbits by 40.000 sporulated oocyst of Eimeria spp. and not treated. Zinc oxide nanoparticles treated group; infected male rabbits by 40.000 sporulated oocyst of Eimeria spp. and treated orally with 10 mg ZnO-NPs/Kg body weight daily for 5 consecutive days. Propolis nanoparticles treated group; infected male rabbits by 40.000 sporulated oocyst of Eimeria spp. and treated orally with 100 mg propolis-NPs/Kg body weight daily for 7 consecutive days. Serum ALT, CRP, zinc, cholinesterase, plasma GR, SOD and CAT were measured in addition to; histopathological examination of liver was done. The results indicated that the serum ALT and CRP were increased but serum cholinesterase , zinc , plasma GR , SOD and CAT were decreased in infected group ,with treatment all parameters were improved , also examination of histological sections of livers from all treated groups did not detect any protozoal stage in their parenchyma nor bile ducts. Also, no or minimal papillary projection of epithelium of bile duct with decrease of peribiliary fibrosis could be seen in comparison control positive group. In conclusion, zinc oxide nanoparticles and propolis nanoparticles play a protective role against Eimeria infestation in rabbits.