Molecular detection of theileria annulata infection: an emerging disease of pet dogs in pakistan

Tick-borne maladies of canines are increasing in sub-tropical and tropical areas around the globe. Theileriosis is an emerging issue in canines, especially dogs but the data regarding the disease prevalence in Asian countries is scarce. Therefore, the current study was designed to check the molecular prevalence of Theileria spp. in dogs of Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 102 dog blood samples were initially screened by microscopy and later on by PCR. The results revealed that 10.78% (11/102) and 6.86% (7/102) of pet dogs were found positive by PCR and microscopy, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis showed the sequences resemblance up to 98-99% with cytb gene fragments of Theileria annulata isolates from Iran, India, Turkey, Sudan, China, and Tunisia. Assumed risk factors revealed a significant (P