Nested polymerase chain reaction for detection of Theileria annulata and comparison with conventional diagnostic techniques: its use in epidemiology studies

In this work we studied the ability of a nested polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) to detect Theileria annulata, the causative agent of Mediterranean the ileriosis, in blood samples obtained from cattle on farms in different Span ish regions and its possible use in epidemiology studies. Of the 214 sample s analyzed, 78.04%, 69.86%, and 62.26% were found to be positive by nested PCR, indirect immunofluorescent antibody test, and optical microscopy of Gi emsa-stained smears, respectively. The three techniques were in agreement i n 68.6% of the results. The observation that the prevalence of Mediterranea n theileriosis estimated using nested PCR alone (70.3%) and that obtained u sing all three diagnostic techniques together (80.4%) did not significantly differ verifies the utility of this technique in epidemiology studies.