Random amplified polymorphic DNA profiles in two Indian strains of Theileria annulata

Genetic intra-species analysis of two Indian strains of Theileria annulata derived from Parbhani (PBN) and Izatnagar (IZT) by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) polymerase chain reaction revealed genetic polymorphism between the strains. In between 1–7 reproducible DNA fingerprints of 363–4500 bp were amplified suggesting major and minor differences in their RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) profiles. The purity of the DNA samples used in the RAPD assays was tested by bovine insulin – like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP₃) gene specific PCR. No amplification was seen with T. annulata genomic DNA (PBN or IZT strain) templates, suggesting that the DNA fingerprints amplified by arbitrary primers were of parasite origin and devoid of possible host DNA contamination.