A Comparative Study on Haemoprotozoa Infection in Apparently Healthy Cattle in Different Geographical Areas of Iran Using PCR Method

Theileriosis and Babesiosis are the important tick-borne diseases. They are characterized by fever، anemia، and death and fall in animal production and caused a lot of economic loss in livestock industry. The aim of this study was microscopical and molecular examination of Theileria spp and Babesia spp infection in apparently healthy cattle in the desert (Yazd)، semi- mountainous (Torbat Jam) and Caspian climates (Tonkabon) of Iran. In this study، 270 blood smears and blood samples with anticoagulant material were collected from healthy dairy cattle during spring and summer seasons in Yazd، Torbate Jam and Tonekabon areas. The collected samples were transferred to the laboratory، and then the blood smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa method. DNA of blood samples were extracted using a commercial kit then examined to detect Theileria and Babesia infection in healthy cattle in two stages. Theileria spp was observed in four blood smears from cattle in Yazd area، the results of PCR showed that 12 blood samples of cattle in Yazd، 1 blood sample in Torbat Jam and 3 blood samples in Tonkabon area were infected with T. annulata. Any Babesia spp infection was not detected in blood samples by microscopical and molecular examination. The obtained results indicated that the Theileria annulata infection is more important in dairy cattle in different areas of Iran.