Theileria orientalis in Iran

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Protozoology
• Tick-borne Diseases

Background:

• Theileria species are tick-borne protozoan parasites that infect livestock globally.
• Accurate identification of Theileria species is crucial for disease management and control in cattle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a benign Theileria species identified in cattle in northern Iran.
• To compare this species with known Theileria orientalis using serological and morphological methods.

Main Methods:

• Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used for serological comparison.
• Morphological analysis of piroplasms within host erythrocytes was performed.
• Transstadial transmission by Haemaphysalis punctata ticks was investigated.

Main Results:

• The Theileria species from Iran was indistinguishable from Theileria orientalis based on IFAT.
• Morphological examination of the piroplasms also showed no significant differences from T. orientalis.
• The parasite was successfully transmitted transstadially by Haemaphysalis punctata.

Conclusions:

• The benign Theileria species found in Iranian cattle is likely Theileria orientalis.
• This finding has implications for understanding the distribution and epidemiology of Theileria orientalis in the region.
• Haemaphysalis punctata is confirmed as a vector for this Theileria species.