Molecular Characterization of Theileria annulata by HSP70 Gene of India and Management of Its Infection in Cattle: A Case Report

A 3-year-old cow which suffered from anorexia and high fever for the last 2 days was investigated at farmer door step. Detailed examination of cow showed high temperature (40.5 °C, pale conjunctival mucous membrane, increased size of pre-scapular lymph nodes and severe tick infestation. Examination of blood smear showed the presence of <i>Theileria</i> spp. Haematological values showed low value of hemoglobin (4 gm/dl), TEC (2.3×10⁶/μl), PCV (14%) with mild leukocytosis (14.5×10³/μl). The biochemical values were almost within the normal reference range except for AST (88U/L). PCR amplification of the <i>hsp70</i> gene was done from genomic DNA which was isolated from cattle blood and the results showed amplification of approx. 270 bp. In silico analysis of the generated DNA sequence confirm the species of the parasite as <i>T. annulata</i> and the phylogenetic inference of the generated sequence (MH178373) showed cladding with <i>Theileria</i> infecting domesticate bovines. This study proposed the use of heat-shock protein 70 (<i>hsp70</i>) gene of <i>Theileria</i> species for inter-species characterization and phylogeny. Treatment with intra-muscular single dose of Buparvaquone (Intas Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd., India; 2.50mg kg^-1along with intra-muscular anti-pyrectic drugs Meloxicam and Paracetamol combination (Intas Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd., India;15 mg kg^-1 q24)for 2 days and oral preparation of haematinics (Intas Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd., India; 50 ml q24) for 10 days. This is the first report on molecular detection of <i>Theileria annulata</i> infection from cattle in Tripura, as per available scientific literature.