Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Department of Clinical Pathology

Ovine theileriosis is one of the hemoprotazoal disease that is transmitted by tick bites and causes severe economic loss.This study aimed to diagnose sheep theileriosis in 3 regions of Egypt (Cairo, Giza and Al Monofia) by using different clinicopathological, pathological and molecular tools. A total of 152 sheep blood samples were selected randomly from farms and veterinary clinics. The incidence of Theileria infection by microscopic examination of blood smears was 21%, while the incidence by PCR (using universal Theileria primer) was 36.8%. The use of species-specific primers showed a result of 53.6% single infection; Theileria ovis, and 46.4% mixed infection; T. ovis and T. lestoquardi. Depending on the PCR results, the samples were divided into three groups: Theileria negative group, T. ovis group and mixed T. ovis and T. lestoquardi group.The examination of all infected groups did not show any significant changes between them. The hemogram showed significant macrocytic hypochromic anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, monocytopenia, eosinopenia and thrombocytopenia in Theileria infected groups in comparison with Theileria negative group. Biochemical analysis showed significant hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, total and indirect hyperbilirubinemia with elevations of AST and GGT activities and azotemia which was characterized by increase of BUN and creatinine concentrations while non-significant changes were detected in A:G ratio and direct bilirubin concentration

Issued also as CD