The Molecular Detection and Therapeutic Management of Pathogenic Theileria luwenshuni Infection in a Goat: A Case Report

Syed Abdul  Arif; Deepa  Lahkar; Sophia Makdoh  Gogoi; Bendangla  Changkija; Parikshit  Kakati; Lukumoni  Buragohain; Mamta  Pathak; Tinku  Das

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17173

Syed Abdul Arif Division of Veterinary Medicine, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (IVRI), Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
Deepa Lahkar Division of Veterinary Medicine, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (IVRI), Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
Sophia Makdoh Gogoi Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam, India
Bendangla Changkija Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science, Assam, India
Parikshit Kakati Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam, India
Lukumoni Buragohain Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam, India
Mamta Pathak Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
Tinku Das Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science, Assam, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17173

Keywords: Assam; Buparvaquone; Goat; Theileria luwenshuni

Abstract

A 2-year-old female Assam Hill goat was presented with a clinical history of anorexia, fever, mild anemia, rough body coat, dehydration, tachycardia, dyspnea and swelling of palpable lymph nodes. Hematology revealed low hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell and thrombocyte count. Biochemical analysis showed increased serum concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine and urea in comparison to the normal reference range. Microscopic examination showed intra-erythrocytic forms of Theileria species. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of partial 18S rRNA gene sequence confirmed Theileria luwenshuni infection. The goat was treated with buparvaquone and oxytetracycline and recovered uneventfully. A three-month follow-up showed no recurrence. This study reveals the presence of T. luwenshuni in Assam, India and it should be considered in differential diagnosis and as one of the important pathogens of clinically sick goats. The present case report provides a rational approach to diagnosis and treatment for a goat infected with pathogenic T. luwenshuni in Assam, India. To our knowledge, the present communication describes about the first successful therapeutic management of pathogenic Tluwenshuni infection in a goat supported with molecular evidence from Assam, a north-eastern state of India.