Abstract

Theileria parasitises red and white blood cells. T. annulata causes bovine tropical theileriosis; T. parva causes East Coast fever; and T. orientalis causes oriental theileriosis.  In tropical regions, oriental theileriosis is a serious livestock illness mainly affecting red blood cells (RBCs). This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of theileriosis infection in animals kept at the KVASU farms that appeared to be in good health. Additionally, the study sought to explore the possible correlation between the infection of Theileria and haematological markers in crossbred and Vechur cattle. The haematological parameters and Theileria infection status of fifty adult cattle were assessed. Monocytes, PDW (platelet distribution width), RDW (RBC distribution width), MPV (mean platelet volume), MCHC, HCT, RBC, HGB, and MCV demonstrated a significant breed difference (P<0.05). The RBC, WBC, MCV, MCHC, MCH, MPV, PCT, and PDW levels differed significantly (p<0.05) between animals infected with Theileria and the uninfected controls. For RBC, WBC, HGB, MCV, MCH, MPV, and PDW, there was a significant interaction (P<0.05) between the breed and Theileria infection. RBC, MPV, and PDW significantly increased in Theileria-infected crossbred cattle. On the other hand, RBC, MCV, MCH, MPV, and PDW significantly increased (P<0.05) in infected Vechur cattle. The study's results suggest that various haematologic indicators could be used as diagnostic biomarkers for Theileria infection in crossbred and Vechur cattle.

Keywords : Theileria, haematological markers, crossbred, Vechur