Clinico-Biochemical, Serological and Molecular Study on Tropical Theileriosis in Egyptian Water Buffaloes (Bubalus Bubalis)

The present study was planned to demonstrate the clinical findings, haematological and biochemical changes and compare the accuracy of different techniques using routine Giemsa-stained film, PCR and ELISA for diagnosis of Theileria annulata parasitaemia in Egyptian buffaloes. The study was conducted on 42 buffaloes (3-7 years old), which were divided into three groups: clinical theileriosis (n=10), contact (n=22) and control (n=10). Clinical signs included fever, enlargement of prefemoral lymph nodes, corneal opacity, dark feces, conjunctivitis, dyspnea, and drop in milk yield in lactating buffaloes. Blood films demonstrated the macro and microschizont in lymphocytes and piroplasms in erythrocytes. Haematological examination revealed anemia, neutropenia, eosinopenia, lymphocytopenia and monocytopenia in clinical theileriosis group, and not in contact, compared to control. Biochemical analysis revealed significant decrease (P 0.01) in the total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose and calcium levels; whereas bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT and CK, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, and phosphorous were significantly increased (P 0.01) in clinical theileriosis, and not in contact, compared to control. The prevalence rate of T.annulata based upon blood film examination, ELISA and PCR using specific primers were 23.81%, 33.33% and 42.86%, respectively. Therefore, PCR is more reliable and accurate for detection of theileriosis than other methods. Contact buffaloes should be considered as carriers unless the PCR is tested negative.