infection in bullfighting cattle in Thailand.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

An apicomplexan protozoan parasite, namely, , primarily causes theileriosis in cattle worldwide. The virulence of the disease has been neglected because of it's low pathogenicity. However, the disease can have a substantial effect, depending on the virulence of the species, low host immunity, and coinfection. In Thailand, the molecular detection of infection in bullfighting cattle and its hematological alterations have not been reported. Thus, this study aimed to identify species in bullfighting cattle in Thailand.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples were collected from bullfighting cattle presented at the Prince of Songkla University Animal Hospital and were determined on the basis of hematological evaluation and DNA extraction. Molecular detection using the and merozoite surface antigen genes was conducted for spp. and , respectively. In addition, bidirectional sequencing of the positive samples was performed. Hematological alterations between infected and uninfected groups were statistically evaluated.

RESULTS

The levels of spp. and infection in bullfighting cattle were 44.62% (58/130) and 41.54% (54/130), respectively. , , and spp. infections were identified in bullfighting cattle samples. Hematological evaluation indicated that the red blood cell (RBC) level was significantly lower in infected cattle.

CONCLUSION

This study was the first to use molecular techniques in the identification of infection in bullfighting cattle in Thailand, with nearly one-half of the study population infected. infection in bullfighting cattle altered the RBC level, resulting in anemia. Therefore, tick control measures should be promoted.