Molecular Based Evidence, Genetic Profile and Risk Factors of Theileria spp. Infection in Caprine in Sulaymaniyah Province /Iraq

Theileriosis is a significant protozoal infection affecting livestock health status and productivity worldwide. Study aimed to detect Theileria infection in native goats from Sulaymaniyah province, Northern region of Iraq. For current study random blood samples were taken from clinically healthy goats belonging to mixed small ruminant flocks from four regions of Sulaymaniyah province. PCR based on the gene coding for 18S rRNA was applied for detecting Theileria parasite from goat blood samples, followed by sequencing of two isolates and defining the genetic diversity. Effects of various risk factors on theileriosis prevalence also evaluated.The overall infection rate of caprine theileriosis was 55.83%. Higher infection rate of 61.67% was reported from Sharazoor in compare to the low infection rate of 51.67% from Sitak. Risk factors including age, flock size and the tick burden represented significant determinants (p < 0.005), although herd composition no significantly effects on Theileria infection. Blast analysis of study sequences established the detection of T. ovis , and the constructed phylogenetic tree defined that current isolates PV575340.1 and PV575340.1 were clustered to gather with previously detected T. ovis isolates. The study provides an insight to the existence of Theileria species among goat population with higher infection rates in spite of observing of no obvious clinical signs, therefore attention directed to word the animal status should be highlighted as they are associated with financial and health impacts, along with the role of epidemiological risk factors on the incidence rate should not be neglected.