Comparative pathological and molecular studies of Theilerioses at different stages of production and reproduction in cattle

Abstract

Theilerosis is the most important common vector (Tick) born and hemoprotozoan newlinediseases (TBDS) which pose a serious threat to the livestock population in terms of mortality, newlinereduced milk yield and lowered draft power. The disease is having impact on haematology, newlinebiochemistry and systemic functions affecting at different stages of production and newlinereproduction of dairy cattle as well as there is lack of accurate diagnosis for which the study newlinewas conducted with the objectives of epidemiological investigation of theileria infection in newlinecattle and pathological investigation and molecular characterization of Theileria species with newlinerespect to age, pregnancy and lactation. A total 1900 cases were suspected for theileriosis on newlinethe basis of clinical signs and total 950 cases were found positive for theileriosis on the basis newlineof blood smear examination and molecular test like PCR. As per the stages of pregnancy and newlinelactation the cases were classified as cows in early pregnancy, cows in late pregnancy, cows newlinein post parturient stage, cows in early and late lactation period. The cows in post parturient newlineperiod were more susceptible to theileriosis. The incidence was higher in 2-6 years of age newlinegroup, post monsoon period and mostly in cross bred animals. In most of the cases the clinical newlinesigns observed were reduced appetite, non-remittent fever, lacrimation and salivation and newlineinfrequent signs like swollen lymphnodes, respiratory symptoms and reduced milk yield. newlineHaematological values of PCV, Hb, MCH and MCHC were significantly low in post newlineparturient cows, followed by cows in late pregnancy, in early lactation, early pregnancy and newlinelate lactation period. Biochemical alterations like increased AST, ALT and BUN level newlineindicating liver and kidney dysfunctions in all the groups and significantly higher in post newlineparturient group. The serum phosphorus, calcium and magnesium level decreased in all the newlineaffected groups and mostly in late pregnancy period and post parturient stage indicating newlinemetabolic disturbances during the disease which were aggr