Molecular Detection of T. annulata in Subclinically Infected Cattle in Organized and Unorganized Farms in Uttar Pradesh

Jeeva K, Chandra D, Singh E, Bisen S, Prasad A, Verma MR, Aftab NKA and Raina OK (2020). Molecular Detection of T. annulata in Subclinically Infected Cattle in Organized and Unorganized Farms in Uttar Pradesh. Journal of Immunology Immunopathology, 22(2): 159–166.

Cattle (n=604) reared in the organized and unorganized farms in the ten districts of Uttar Pradesh were screened for Theileria annulata infection by polymerase chain reaction. Microscopic examination of the Giemsa-stained blood smears of 604 cattle detected 133 (22.01%) animals positive for T. annulata. Primary PCR targeting 721 bp Tams1 gene detected 35.43% (214/604) positive and nested-PCR targeting 453 bp Tams1 gene detected 43.54% (263/604) animals positive for T. annulata infection. The PCR sensitivity was to the detection limit of 10 μg DNA and the specificity of the PCR assay revealed no amplification of other haemoprotozoan parasites viz. B. bigemina, A. marginale and T. evansi. A total of 123 blood samples were subjected to haematological analysis as well that revealed the Hb content and PCV value of the animals microscopically positive for T. annulata were significantly low (P<0.001) when compared with microscopically negative animals but PCR positive and healthy animals.