Molecular Identification of Theileria ovis and T. lestoquardi in vector ticks of Ixodidae family in Lorestan province.

Theileriosis is caused by an intracellular protozoan parasite of Theileria species, which is transmitted by Ixodidae ticks. Recognition of the vector ticks is essential in each area for establishing some integrated preventive measures against the disease. Therefore, 219 ticks were collected from the body surface of 150 sheep suffering from fever and anemia, in different parts of the province, during April - August 2012. Also, thin blood films were prepared from the peripheral blood of these animals. DNA of the tick salivary glands including 152 Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 13 R. bursa and 54 Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum were extracted. Then PCR, using a pair of 520 bp specific primer of SSurRNA gene of Theileria ovis, as well as a pair of specific primer for amplification of 785bp of T. lestoquardi merozoite surface antigens, was performed. The PCR revealed that 37 out of 152 R. sanguineus (24.34 %) were positive for Theileria ovis, whereas none of R. bursa ticks were positive. Also, 5 out of 54 H. a anatolicum (9.25 %) were positive for T. lestoquardi. The microscopic examinations of blood smears showed that 19 out of 150 blood smears (12.66 %) contained the piroplasmic forms of Theileria species. Regarding the vast distribution of R. sanguineus in the area, it seems that this tick may be the main vector of Theileria ovis in Lorestan province, Iran.