Comparative evaluation of polymerase chain reaction assay with microscopy for detection of asymptomatic carrier state of theileriosis in a herd of crossbred cattle

Abstract

On the basis results of comparative studies, it can be concluded that PCR assay is a more sensitive than microscopic examination for detection of theileriosis. This can be attributed to the ability of PCR assay to detect small amounts of genomic DNA of <i>T. annulata</i> or low parasitemia in cows. Therefore, PCR assay can serve as a more sensitive tool to detect <i>Theileria</i> for detection of theileriosis even in asymptomatic carrier cattle which is important for the implementation of successful control programs.