From molecule to diagnostic tool: Theileria annulata surface protein TaSP.

Isolation and characterization of the Theileria annulata macroshizont stage protein TaSP showed that this parasite surface membrane protein is a highly antigenic protein suitable for the development of diagnostic tools for tropical theileriosis. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of circulating antibodies against Theileria annulata was established and validated using the recombinantly expressed TaSP protein. The ELISA has subsequently been applied for cross-sectional surveys to determine the distribution and prevalence of tropical theileriosis in Sudan.