CLINICAL, DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC STUDIES ON THEILERIASIS (Theileria annulata) IN CATTLE IN UPPER EGYPT

The goal of the present study is to evaluate the endemic situation of theileriasis in the different localities in Upper Egypt, and also to evaluate the efficacy of some drugs in treatment of acute and chronic theileriasis. A total of 120 cows showed clinical signs varied from rise of body temperature, nasal and ocular discharge, corneal opacity, diarrhea, pale mucous membranes, associated with enlargement of lymph nodes in some cases (18), belonged to villages of Assiut, Sohag and El-wadi El-Gadid Governorate were subjected to study. Animals were examined clinically and then blood samples were collected from all animals under investigation. In addition, lymph samples were collected from cases with swelled lymph nodes. Blood and lymph smears were prepared directly after collection. The results revealed that, 31 cows (25.8%) out of the total number were positive for Theileria infection by blood film. All animals with enlarged lymph nodes (18) were positive for Theileria infection by lymph smear and negative by blood film. The incidence of Theileria infection in the different localities was 17.5%, 20% and 40% in the Assiut, Sohag and El-Wadi El-Gadid Governorate respectively. The percent of infection was more in summer (27.5%) than in winter (22.5%). From the present study, the incidence of Theileria infection is more in El-Wadi El-Gadid Governorate than in other localities under study, and more in summer than in winter. In addition, lymph smear is the method of choice for diagnosis of theileriasis in suspected cases with enlarged lymph nodes. It is recommended to treat chronic theileriasis with long acting oxytetracycline and Berinil (Dimenazine citrate).