The first genetic identification of Theileria ovis subtype KP019206 in sheep in Iran

Ticks and tick-borne diseases, including theileriosis, constitute a major constraint to livestock production. Two species, known as Theileria lestoquardi and Theileria ovis, are suspected to contribute to ovine theileriosis in Iran. However, the epidemiological aspects of ovine theileriosis are poorly understood in this country. In a survey, designed to identify Theileria species in sheep, 52 (47.27%) out of 110 blood samples were positive, based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results. Among 52 positive samples, 100% (52/52) were positive for T. ovis, while T. lestoquardi was not detected in any of the samples. The 18S rRNA gene sequence of T. ovis isolated from Kurdistan, Iran has been submitted to the GenBank and can be retrieved by the accession number, KP019206. The current study presents the first report of T. ovis in Iran, using molecular identification techniques. Moreover, this study evaluated the present status of Theileria infection in the west of Iran.