Biomarkers as predictive tools to test the in vivo anti-sarcoptic mange activity of propolis in naturally infested rabbits.

This study was designed to investigate the use of specific biomarkers, such as albumin, serum total protein, aspartate amino transferase (AST), globulin, alanine amino transferase (ALT), serum cortisol and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as predictive tools for sarcoptic mange in rabbits. A total of 30 infested rabbits were equally divided into three treatment groups. Each group was administered either propolis, ivermectin, or propolis with ivermectin. Treated rabbit results were then compared to those of 10 infested untreated rabbits and 10 healthy rabbits. The impact of treatment was assessed via microscopic examination of skin scrapings, clinical signs, and blood measurements relating to the liver. This study demonstrated that topical application of 10 % propolis ointment resulted in complete recovery from clinical signs and complete absence of mites based on microscopic examination after 10-15 days of treatment. Moreover, AST, ALP, ALT, and cortisol were determined to be acceptable biomarkers to track the response of diseased rabbits to the therapeutic use of propolis.