ISOLATION OF THEILERIA-TAUROTRAGI AND THEILERIA-MUTANS FROM CATTLE INBOTSWANA

Two Theileria species demonstrated in peripheral Giemsa-stained blood smears of sick cattle from various parts of Botswana were subsequently identified as Theileria mutans and T. taurotragi using DNA hybridizat ion and the polymerase chain reaction. Initial screening for Theileria species was done using microscopy, the indirect fluorescent antibody technique and the micro Elisa test. The syndrome was characteristicall y that of high morbidity but low mortality and vague malaise. A low pa rasitaemia of pleomorphic :intra-erythrocytic piroplasms and the absen ce of schizont stages in circulating lymphocytes and lymph node aspira tes were evident. Dual infections were common and often complicated by intercurrent disease conditions. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V, All r ights reserved.