Clinico-morphological and Molecular Detection of Bovine Tropical Theileriosis in Cattle

Background: Theileria spp. were targeted for detection and differentiation from clinical samples using PCR in the current investigation and the diagnostic sensitivity of this method was evaluated in comparison to microscopic observations. The clinical characteristics of bovine tropical theileriosis as clinical markers were also analysed based on the PCR data. Methods: On the basis of clinical evaluation and microscopic inspection of blood smears, 200 blood samples from cattle suspected of having theileriosis were examined. To confirm the disease, the PCR method was employed by using 18S rRNA and Cyto b1 gene to confirm Theileria spp. and Theileria annulata respectively in clinical samples. Result: The results showed that microscopic examination detected 65/200 (32.50%), whereas, the PCR assay identified 120/200 (60.00%) for Theileria spp. Of the total 200 samples studied, 77 (38.50.3%) were positive for T. annulata specific PCR. Based on PCR confirmation of T. annulata infection in cattle, the predominant clinical signs were pyrexia, ticks’ infestations, anorexia, enlargement of lymph node, pale mucous membrane, lacrimation, coughing, drop in milk production and emaciation. The other clinical signs were observed as icterus, nasal discharge, salivation, melena and exophthalmia.