LAUSR

Abstract Pediculosis is the most common and economically significant dermatological condition in goats caused mainly by the chewing lice, (Damalinia (Bovicola) caprae. Clinically, it is associated with varying levels of hypersensitivity skin reactions and its clinico-pathology is less explored. The present study aimed to investigate the immuno-oxidative pathology of chewing lice infestation in goats vis-a-vis immunomodulatory potential of two standard antioxidants (Ascorbic acid and N-acetyl cysteine) as an adjunct therapy in its management. Thirty two goats were divided into four groups of eight animals each; Group I, II and III included lice infested and Group IV included healthy control. Group I animals underwent ivermectin therapy (200 μg/kg SC single dose) only; whereas group II and group III animals received N-acetyl cysteine (12 mg/kg B. wt.) and Ascorbic acid (20 mg/kg B. wt.), respectively, orally once daily for 14 days along with ivermectin therapy (200 μg/kg SC single dose). The haematological (Hb, TEC, TLC and DLC), oxidant-antioxidant (LPO, GSH, TAC, SOD and catalase activity) and immunological (TNF-α, IL-10, TGF-β1, Th1/Th2 ratio and immunosuppression ratio) parameters were studied on day 0 (Before therapy) and day 28 (Post therapy). Animals with pediculosis revealed Th2 dominant cytokine response and marked oxidative stress along with anaemia and leukocytosis. Ascorbic acid treated animals showed better recovery from the immuno-oxidative pathology of pediculosis and approached normalcy post therapy. Ascorbic acid as an adjunct therapy along with licicidal drugs alleviated the pathological damages in host biology and hastened clinical recovery, whereas, N-acetyl cysteine was less effective in inducing favorable immune response, in this Th2 cytokine dominant condition. Future studies on antioxidants may focus on the influence of Th1/Th2 ratio in selecting antioxidant drugs and immunomodulatory mechanisms involved.