Background: Several studies were conducted on T. evansi infections in camels, but its pathogenesis is still
mysterious especially in association with hormonal and infertility problems.
Objective: The present research aimed to monitor the endocrine changes associated with T. evansi infection
and its relation to immunity.
Material and Methods: Twenty-four rats were used, four of them were considered the control group (CG),
and the others were infected with T. evansi (IG). Blood samples were collected from CG at 0 day, while blood
samples and testicular specimens were collected from IG on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and 35th day (4 rats each
time period). Cytokines, hormones, minerals, and electrolytes were measured, and the testicular specimens
were sectioned, stained, and microscopically examined.
Results: There was a significant increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokines accompanied by significant
(P˂0.05) hypercortisolemia, increased growth hormone (GH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
levels, hypothyroidism, hypoinsulinemia, decreased testosterone, minerals, and electrolytes concentrations.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines positively correlated with cortisol, growth hormone, and TSH and negatively
correlated with T3, T4, insulin, and testosterone. The measured hormones yielded good values of sensitivity,
specificity, and accuracy rate. The histopathological examination of the testicular tissue showed degeneration
and necrosis of the spermatocytes and seminiferous tubules and hyperplasia of the interstitial tissue with
edema, congestion, and infiltration.
Conclusion: The recorded immunological changes during trypanosomiasis are strongly associated with the
hormonal changes and infertility, and decreased minerals and electrolytes levels. Cortisol, T3, T4, and GH are
proposed good indicators of trypanosomiasis.