EXOone Theileria annulata

Description

Theileria annulata is a tick-borne apicomplexan parasite and the etiological agent of Tropical theileriosis which occurs around the Mediterranean basin, Middle East and Southern Asia. This hemoparasite causes important health problems in cattle and is transmitted by ticks from the genus Hyalomma. The animals that survive the acute disease become carriers of T. annulata and play an important role as reservoirs for the maintenance of the parasite life cycle.

Traditional diagnostic techniques for T. annulata included microscopic examination of stained blood smears, which have low sensitivity for the assessment of carrier animals. Serological methods can be employed to diagnose subclinical infections, but cross-reactions are common. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of this pathogen have been considerably increased by use of molecular techniques.