Detection of cattle infected with Theileria annulata by nested PCR, IFAT and microscopic examination of blood smears

摘要

The aim of this study was to diagnose Theileria annulata infected cattle by microscopy, IFAT, and nested PCR and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of these diagnostic methods. A total of 147 blood and sera samples were collected from healthy cattle in 4 localities of Polatli district, Ankara, Turkey, where tropical theileriosis is prevalent. Examination results revealed positivity rates of 31.3, 44.9, and 61.2% for microscopy, IFAT, and nested PCR, respectively. Nested PCR was more sensitive and specific compared to microscopical examination and serological findings. Moreover, nested PCR was more sensitive than single step PCR. This study, which is the first work utilizing nested PCR in the detection of T. annulata in Turkey, showed thatnested PCR is more sensitive and specific when compared to microscopy and IFAT and can be used in further epidemiological studies.