Vol. 9, Issue 4, Part C (2024)

Author(s): T Arulkumar, B Maheswari, M Sasikala, KM Palanivel, S Yogeshpriya, G Selvaraju, S Sivaraman and S Dharmaceelan

Abstract: A total of 85 suspected crossbred cows were screened for Theileria annulata. Out of which 45 were positive by molecular diagnosis in and around Namakkal district. Animals with the history of weakness, fever, drop in milk production and clinical signs of anorexia, dehydration, debility, staggering gait, anaemia, lethargy, recumbency, enlargement of lymph nodes, pale mucus membrane etc. were also included in this study. Haematology and biochemical analysis were done for assessment of infection status and also assessed therapeutic efficacy with respect to haemoprotozoan diseases. Whole blood, serum, peripheral blood smear and fine needle lymph node aspiration were collected and analyzed. Giemsa stained blood smear revealed numerous annular shaped Theileria piroplasm in the erythrocytes. The blood picture and serum biochemistry showed anaemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and elevated liver enzyme (AST). In fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) numerous intracellular schizonts (Koch's blue bodies, KBB) and extracellular schizonts were observed. For further confirmation polymerase chain reaction was performed in whole blood using the primer specific for Tamulti gene of Theileria annulata and their amplification size was 751 bp was observed. The animal was treated with inj. Buparvaquone @ 2.5mg/Kg IM (Single dose) and Inj. Oxytetracycline@ 20mg/Kg IV with Dextrose normal saline and along with supportive for 3 days. Topical synthetic pyrethroids (1% Flumethrin) also recommended as tick control measures. The animal recovered uneventfully after 7 days of treatment.