Lymphocyte infectivity and characterization of theileria parva strains isolated from paddocks in Kiambu district
Abstract
East Coast Fever, a disease of cattle that results in death by respiratory failure
IS caused by Theileria parva. Due to the widespread occurrence, the
characterization of Theileria species and diagnosis of the disease has become
increasingly difficult.
An attempt was made to study the infectivity and pathogenicity and to
characterize various T. parva strains using observations of their clinical signs,
parasitological, haematological and post-mortem findings as indicators. The clinical
picture was found to be consistent to the findings of previous workers. However,
when intra-lymphocytic theilerial parasites grown in vitro were assessed USIng
antibodies specific to schizont epitopes, a marked antigenic diversity was noted
between and within strains. Monoclonal antibodies were thus useful In
characterizing extra- and intra- strain differences in T. pm·va. The Western blot
technique further revealed polymorphism 111 the Sizes of the Polymorphic
Immunodorminant Molecule (PIM) ranging from 80 - 90 kilodaltons in isolates
obtained from the same paddock and also when compared to T. parva Muguga.
Two batches of Theileria sporozoites were used for the comparison of the in
vitro infectivity and early developmental stages of Theileria infection to peripheral
blood mononuclear cells obtained from the same animal. Similarities were noted in
the rates and periods of infectivity (3 - 6 days) regardless of the strain and sporozoite
dilution. However, they showed different growth and cultural characteristics with T.
parva Marikebuni producing grape-like clusters whereas the breakthrough parasite
to T. par va Marikebuni immunization resulted in a uniform sheet of single cells in
culture.
Citation
Matete, G. O( Lymphocyte Infectivity and Characterization of Theileria parva strains isolated from Paddocks in Kiambu DistrictSponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Nairobi
Description
Msc - Thesis