Molecular Detection, Phylogenetic Analysis, and Genetic Diversity of Theileria annulata, Babesia bigemina, and Anaplasma marginale in Cattle in Three Districts of Egypt

Molecular epidemiology of bovine theileriosis and genetic diversity of Theileria annulata in three governorates of Egypt

Bovine theileriosis is a protozoan disease caused by the intracellular parasite (Theileria spp.) transmitted by ticks and it is considered one of the most significant parasitic diseases, potentially endangering Egyptian cattle herd industry. The present study was conducted for a molecular survey of bovine theileriosis and its associated risk factors (season variations, geographical locations, breeds, age, sex, tick infestation, and acaricide applications) in three Egyptian governorates, Beni-Suef, Al-Faiyum, and Al-Minya for a year extended from December 2021 to November 2022, in addition, genetic diversity of Theileria isolates. A total of 961 cattle were examined for Theileria infection clinically, microscopically, and by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using 18S rRNA gene for piroplasms DNA detection, Theileria genus-specific primers of the small subunit of rRNA gene, and Theileria annulata specific primers of the Tams-1 gene. The prevalence rate of bovine theileriosis was 9.26%, and 11.86% using Giemsa-stained blood smear and PCR, respectively. All positive samples screened by Theileria genus-specific primers were positive for T. annulata when screened by the specific primers. Based on molecular screening, season, cattle breeds and acaricide applications were considered risk factors for T. annulata infection, while locality, age, sex and tick infestation had insignificant effects with the occurrence of the disease. A potential novel T. annulata haplotype based on the Tam-1 gene was identified with accession numbers OR364144 and OR915851. Therefore, T. annulata was the only Theileria species found and played a significant problem in the cattle population. This study could be the basis for future studies on unexplored regions and different animal species for well-structured prevention and control measures.

Molecular screening and genetic diversity of tick-borne pathogens associated with dogs and livestock ticks in Egypt

BACKGROUND

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) offer optimal climatic conditions for tick reproduction and dispersal. Research on tick-borne pathogens in this region is scarce. Despite recent advances in the characterization and taxonomic explanation of various tick-borne illnesses affecting animals in Egypt, no comprehensive examination of TBP (tick-borne pathogen) statuses has been performed. Therefore, the present study aims to detect the prevalence of pathogens harbored by ticks in Egypt.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

A four-year PCR-based study was conducted to detect a wide range of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) harbored by three economically important tick species in Egypt. Approximately 86.7% (902/1,040) of the investigated Hyalomma dromedarii ticks from camels were found positive with Candidatus Anaplasma camelii (18.8%), Ehrlichia ruminantium (16.5%), Rickettsia africae (12.6%), Theileria annulata (11.9%), Mycoplasma arginini (9.9%), Borrelia burgdorferi (7.7%), Spiroplasma-like endosymbiont (4.0%), Hepatozoon canis (2.4%), Coxiella burnetii (1.6%) and Leishmania infantum (1.3%). Double co-infections were recorded in 3.0% (27/902) of Hy. dromedarii ticks, triple co-infections (simultaneous infection of the tick by three pathogen species) were found in 9.6% (87/902) of Hy. dromedarii ticks, whereas multiple co-infections (simultaneous infection of the tick by ≥ four pathogen species) comprised 12% (108/902). Out of 1,435 investigated Rhipicephalus rutilus ticks collected from dogs and sheep, 816 (56.9%) ticks harbored Babesia canis vogeli (17.1%), Rickettsia conorii (16.2%), Ehrlichia canis (15.4%), H. canis (13.6%), Bo. burgdorferi (9.7%), L. infantum (8.4%), C. burnetii (7.3%) and Trypanosoma evansi (6.6%) in dogs, and 242 (16.9%) ticks harbored Theileria lestoquardi (21.6%), Theileria ovis (20.0%) and Eh. ruminantium (0.3%) in sheep. Double, triple, and multiple co-infections represented 11% (90/816), 7.6% (62/816), and 10.3% (84/816), respectively in Rh. rutilus from dogs, whereas double and triple co-infections represented 30.2% (73/242) and 2.1% (5/242), respectively in Rh. rutilus from sheep. Approximately 92.5% (1,355/1,465) of Rhipicephalus annulatus ticks of cattle carried a burden of Anaplasma marginale (21.3%), Babesia bigemina (18.2%), Babesia bovis (14.0%), Borrelia theleri (12.8%), R. africae (12.4%), Th. annulata (8.7%), Bo. burgdorferi (2.7%), and Eh. ruminantium (2.5%). Double, triple, and multiple co-infections represented 1.8% (25/1,355), 11.5% (156/1,355), and 12.9% (175/1,355), respectively. The detected pathogens' sequences had 98.76-100% similarity to the available database with genetic divergence ranged between 0.0001 to 0.0009% to closest sequences from other African, Asian, and European countries. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close similarities between the detected pathogens and other isolates mostly from African and Asian countries.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Continuous PCR-detection of pathogens transmitted by ticks is necessary to overcome the consequences of these infection to the hosts. More restrictions should be applied from the Egyptian authorities on animal importations to limit the emergence and re-emergence of tick-borne pathogens in the country. This is the first in-depth investigation of TBPs in Egypt.

Molecular detection and characterization of Theileria annulata, Babesia bovis, and Babesia bigemina infecting cattle and buffalo in southern Egypt

Tick-borne diseases have a major adverse effect on livestock worldwide, causing enormous economic losses in meat and milk production as well threatening animal and public health. In this study, we aimed to detect and characterize piroplasms isolated from cattle and buffalo in southern Egypt, using molecular techniques. Three hundred blood samples were collected from cattle and buffalo in two governorates in southern Egypt. All 300 samples (100%) were confirmed to contain DNA, as they exhibited bands of bovine β-actin gene at the expected 227 bp for cattle and buffalo. The samples were analyzed by PCR for the presence of piroplasms, specifically Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, and Theileria annulata. Samples positive for the piroplasma 18S ribosomal RNA gene were further examined for two additional genes, spherical body protein 4 gene, to provide an enhanced degree of specificity for the identification of B. bovis and B. bigemina, and the major merozoite surface antigen gene for T. annulata. The infection rate for piroplasma spp. was 60/300 (20%). The positivity rates were 10.7% (32/300) for T. annulata, 5.3% (16/300) for B. bovis, and 4% (12/300) for B. bigemina. By host species, 42/150 (28%) cattle and 18/150 (12%) buffalo were positive for piroplasms. None of the isolates sequenced for the B. bovis isolates from buffalo in this study showed 100% identity with any sequence deposited in GenBank for the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (maximum identity value = 99.74%). Similarly, no T. annulata small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequence identified in this study exhibited 100% identity with any sequence deposited in GenBank (maximum identity value = 99.89%). The current study provides a partial sequence of the T. annulata merozoite-piroplasm surface antigen gene, as well as the B. bovis and B. bigemina spherical body protein 4 genes, in cattle and buffalo in southern Egypt, and is the first report on these piroplasma genes in cattle and buffalo in southern Egypt.

Cattle co-infection patterns by hemopathogens and their phylogenetic analysis during the tick season in Constantine and Mila, Northeast Algeria

Tropical theileriosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis are the most dominant tick-borne infections in North Africa where they cause significant economic losses in ruminants' industry. The aim of the present work was to study infections and co-infection patterns in 66 cattle with clinical signs of piroplasmosis and/or anaplasmosis in two localities, Beni Hamidene and Grarem Gouga, districts of Constantine and Mila (Northeast of Algeria), respectively. This study was conducted between early May and late September during four years 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021. PCR showed that the most frequent pathogen in cattle with clinical signs of piroplasmosis and/or anaplasmosis was Theileria annulata (66/66; 100%) followed by Babesia bovis (21/66; 31.8%), Anaplasma marginale (15/66; 22.7%), and Babesia bigemina (3/66; 4.5%) (p < 0.001). Giemsa-stained blood smears examinations revealed that 66.7% (44/66); 10.6% (7/66); and 9.1% (6/66) of cattle were infected by T. annulata, Babesia spp., and A. marginale, respectively (p < 0.001). PCR revealed seven co-infection patterns: T. annulata/A. marginale (15/66; 22.7%), T. annulata/B. bovis (21/66; 31.8%), T. annulata/B. bigemina (3/66; 4.5%), T. annulata/A. marginale/B. bovis (7/66; 10.6%), T. annulata/B. bovis/B. bigemina (2/66; 3%), T. annulata/A. marginale/B. bigemina (1/66; 1.5%), and T. annulata/A. marginale/B. bigemina/B. bovis (1/66; 1.5%). Phylogenetic analyses showed that T. annulata Tams1 and B. bigemina gp45 sequences were identical to isolates from Mauritania and South Africa, respectively. The three A. marginale amplicons obtained herein had 99.63 to 99.88% similarity between them. This study provides data that can be used to improve control programs targeting these cattle hemopathogens.

Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasma marginale infecting cattle, buffalo, and camel populations in southern Egypt

Anaplasmosis is a severe tickborne disease of ruminants caused by Anaplasma marginale. A. marginale is distributed worldwide and attacks erythrocytes, resulting in an increased body temperature, anemia, jaundice, abortion, and, in some cases, death. Animals infected with this pathogen become lifelong carriers. In this study, we aimed to detect and characterize A. marginale isolated from cattle, buffalo, and camel populations using novel molecular techniques in southern Egypt. In total, 250 samples (from 100 cattle, 75 water buffaloes, and 75 camels) were analyzed by PCR for the presence of Anaplasmataceae, specifically A. marginale. The animals varied in breed, age, and gender, with most showing no signs of severe disease. By species, A. marginale was found in 61 out of 100 (61%) cattle, 9 out of 75 (12%) buffaloes, and only 5 out of 75 (6.66%) camels. All A. marginale-positive samples were examined for the heat-shock protein groEL gene and, additionally, for major surface protein 4 (msp4) and major surface protein 5 (msp5) genes to enhance specificity. Phylogenetic analysis of A. marginale targeted three genes (groEL, msp4, and msp5). This study provides the first report on using three genes for A. marginale detection in Camelus dromedarius in southern Egypt and generated new phylogenetic data for A. marginale infections in camels. A. marginale infection is endemic in different animal species in southern Egypt. Screening herds for A. marginale is recommended even when the signs of anaplasmosis are absent.

Occurrence of ticks and tick-borne mixed parasitic microbiota in cross-bred cattle in District Lahore, Pakistan

The present study was focused on the incidence of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBD) in cross-bred cattle (Friesian x Sahiwal) of two farms (n = 2548) in district Lahore, Pakistan. We collected total of 572 ticks (adults and nymphs) and blood samples (10 ml) for microscopic i.e., blood smear test - Giemsa Stain (BST) and molecular analysis; Reverse Line Blot-General Primer-PCR (RLB-PCR) and Specie Specific Primer PCR (SP-PCR) from infested cattle (n = 100) from months of April to September. Results: The tick specie identified was Rhipicephalus microplus at both farms, with significant difference in infestations rate amongst both farms (p< 0.0001). The cross-bred cattle having higher ratio of Friesian blood and lower ratio of Sahiwal blood were mostly infested by ticks (p < 0.0458) and haemoparasites (p <0.474) and vice versa. The SP-PCR showed higher number of haemoparasites infection than BST, which revealed 16% T. annulata (p < 0.0001 and k value 0.485, 0.0001), 51% B. bigemina (p < 0.0001 and k value 0.485, 0.0001) and 15% A. marginale (p < 0.001 and k value 0.207, 0.001), respectively. The single infection with B. bigemina was 34% (n = 34/100) and A. marginale 6% (n = 6/100). The double infection with T. annulata/B. bigemina was 8% (n = 8/100) and B. bigemina/A. marginale 1% (n = 1/100). Whereas the triple infection with T. annulata/B. bigemina/A .marginale was 8% (n = 8/100). The phylogenetic study of isolated sequence of T. annulata revealed close homology to isolates from Iran (87%), B. bigemina to isolates from Cuba (94 to 100%) and A. marginale with isolates from Pakistan (99 to 98%).

Tick-borne diseases in Egypt: A one health perspective

Background

Ticks are important arthropod vectors that transmit pathogens to humans and animals. Owing to favourable climatic and environmental conditions, along with animal importation from neighbouring countries, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are widespread in Egyptian localities. Here, we review the current knowledge on the epidemiology of TBDs in Egypt in light of the One Health paradigm.

Methods and results

Five scientific databases, including "Web of Science", "Scopus", "PubMed", "Science Direct", and "Google Scholar", were searched for articles describing TBDs in Egypt. A total of 18 TBDs have been reported in humans and animals, including three protozoal diseases (babesiosis, theileriosis, and hepatozoonosis), 12 bacterial diseases (anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme borreliosis, bovine borreliosis, tick-borne relapsing fever, Mediterranean spotted fever, African tick-borne fever, lymphangitis-associated rickettsiosis, bartonellosis, tularaemia, Q fever, and aegyptianellosis), and three viral diseases (Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever, and Lumpy skin disease).

Conclusions

Despite the circulation of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens among livestock and tick vectors, human infections have been overlooked and are potentially limited to infer the actual communicable disease burden. Therefore, facility-based surveillance of TBDs, combined with capacity building for laboratory diagnostics in healthcare facilities, is urgently required to improve diagnosis and inform policy-making in disease prevention. Additionally, collaboration between expert researchers from various disciplines (physicians, biologists, acarologists, and veterinarians) is required to develop advanced research projects to control ticks and TBDs. Considering that domestic livestock is integral to many Egyptian households, comprehensive epidemiological studies on TBDs should assess all disease contributors, including vertebrate hosts (animals, humans, and rodents) and ticks in the same ecological region, for better assessment of disease burden. Additionally, upscaling of border inspections of imported animals is required to stop crossover movements of ticks and TBDs.

Molecular Epidemiology and Species Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens of Animals in Egypt: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TTBPs) are listed among the most serious concerns harming Egyptian livestock’s productivity. Several reports on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) from various geographical regions in the country were published. However, data on the molecular characterization of TBPs are the most beneficial for understanding the epidemiology of this important group of pathogens. In this study, we present the first meta-analysis on the molecular epidemiology and species diversity of TBPs infecting animals in Egypt. All published studies on TBPs were systematically collected from various databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, and Google Scholar). Data from eligible papers were extracted and subjected to various analyses. Seventy-eight studies were found to be eligible for inclusion. Furthermore, ticks infesting animals that were molecularly screened for their associated pathogens were also included in this study to display high species diversity and underline the high infection risk to animals. Theileria annulata was used as parasite model of TBPs to study the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics across different governorates of Egypt. This study extends cross-comparisons between all published molecular data on TBPs in Egypt and provides resources from Egyptian data in order to better understand parasite epidemiology, species diversity, and disease outcome as well as the development and implementation of prevention and control methods for public health, veterinary care practitioners, and animal owners all over the country.

Identification and discrimination of Theileria annulata by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism

Background and Aim:

Theileria annulata infection is a tick-borne disease affecting ruminants in the tropical and subtropical regions causing severe economic losses. This study aimed to characterize circulating T. annulata isolates from four governorates (administrative districts) north and south of Egypt using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty samples were collected from the four governorates of Egypt and were examined by a PCR assay based on the heat shock protein 70 gene. The amplified product was subsequently digested using two restriction enzymes, Taq I and Alu I, to determine which pattern of T. annulata strains was involved.

Results:

The findings revealed that one distinct pattern was observed for T. annulata isolates in the northern governorates and another one in the southern governorates. The Taq I enzyme produced three fragments (100, 175, and 270 bp), and the Alu I enzyme produced four fragments (60, 90, 125, and 270 bp).

Conclusion:

This study determined the presence of two distinct circulating genotypes of T. annulata among cattle in Egypt based on PCR-RFLP using the HSP 70 gene. More studies are needed in different parts of the country to investigate the virulence and strain variance of T. annulata in cattle.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with tropical theileriosis in Egyptian dairy cattle

Background and Aim:

Theileria annulata is the most prevalent piroplasm infecting cattle across Egypt. Theileriosis is transmitted by ixodid ticks of the genus Hyalomma. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of theileriosis in cattle and their associated risk factors for infection.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 570 blood samples were collected from cattle from five governorates (administrative districts) in Egypt and examined using a polymerase chain reaction assay to estimate the prevalence of tropical theileriosis and assess the associated risk factors

Results:

The overall prevalence rate was 16.49%, with the Alexandria district having the highest prevalence. The results revealed that the risk of theileriosis was elevated in older cattle (odds ratio [OR]=8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6-21.9), especially in summers (OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.4-6.3). Cattle heavily infested with ticks were at particular risk (OR=3.05, 95% CI: 2.1-4.5), as were those to which acaricide had not been applied (OR=13.7, 95% CI: 5.6-33.6).

Conclusion:

Understanding the risk factors associated with T. annulata infection and regular infection monitoring could reduce infection rates and economic losses and is essential for the implementation of efficient control programs.

Serological and molecular surveys of Anaplasma spp. in Egyptian cattle reveal high A. marginale infection prevalence

BACKGROUND

Bovine anaplasmosis is an infectious disease with worldwide distribution. It spreads by various routes mainly through tick bites.

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate bovine related Anaplasma spp. in cattle from three northern governorates of Egypt by serological and molecular assays, to evaluate the associated risk factors and to analyze the phylogeny of revealed A. marginale isolates.

METHODS

During 2020, a total of 650 blood samples were collected from asymptomatic cattle in the governorates of Kafr El-Sheikh (n=240), Menofia (n=230), and Al-Gharbia (n=180). Sera samples were examined using the Anaplasma antibody test kit, cELISA v2. Blood genomic DNA of seropositive cattle was then examined by PCRs specific to A. marginale, A. centrale, and A. bovis. Selected positive samples were subjected to nucleotide sequencing. Risk factors (i.e. geographical area, breed, type of production, sex, age, herd size, season, husbandry system, tick infestation, and application of acaricides) were evaluated by logistic regression approach.

RESULTS

In total, 130 cattle (20%, 95% CI: 17.1-23.3) were recorded seropositive for Anaplasma species. Major risk factors associated with seropositivity were being crossbred, dairy cattle, aged more than 5 years, summer season, herd size of below 300, pasture grazing, tick infestation, and not being subjected to regular treatment with acaricides. By using species-specific PCR, only A. marginale was detected. Nucleotide sequencing showed the occurrence of two different msp4 genotypes.

CONCLUSION

This study shows the high prevalence of A. marginale in cattle of Kafr El-Sheikh, Al-Gharbia, and Menofia. However, the connection between Anaplasma species and their tick vectors remains unknown in Egypt and merits further investigations. Since these infections primarily spread through ixodid tick bites, effective ectoparasite control strategies, regular examination of cattle and successful chemoprophylaxis are recommended.

Serological Survey of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis in Cattle and Water Buffaloes from Menoufia Province, Egypt

PURPOSE

Bovine babesiosis causes morbidity in tropical and subtropical countries worldwide. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Babesia bigemina and B. bovis in cattle and water buffaloes in Menoufia province, where the second-highest population of bovines in Lower Egypt are raised.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 506 blood samples were collected from cattle (N = 262) and water buffaloes (N = 244) in Menoufia province, Egypt. Seroprevalences of B. bigemina and B. bovis in the samples were determined using recombinant Babesia antigen-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

RESULTS

In cattle, the seroprevalences of B. bigemina and B. bovis were 41.60 and 38.17% (37.40 and 35.88% for IgM and 9.54 and 6.11% for IgG), respectively, whereas those of water buffaloes were 35.66 and 31.97% (27.87 and 21.72% for IgM and 15.16 and 15.16% for IgG), respectively. Statistically significant changes in the seroprevalences of the two infective agents were recorded on the basis of region and season of sample collection.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, babesiosis is frequent and presents a threat of an epidemic among bovines in Menoufia province. In turn, control of bovine babesiosis is required because of its potential to detrimentally affect milk and meat production in Menoufia province.

Genetic diversity in the Tams1 gene of Theileria annulata (Duschunkowsky and Luhs, 1904) infecting cattle

The present study describes the genetic diversity in the Tams1 gene (733 bp) of Theileria annulata along with the sequence, phylogenetic and haplotype analyses of the Indian isolates. The phylogenetic analyses displayed distinct clustering of the Indian isolates into three groups suggesting the presence of three genotypes, hitherto designated as T. annulata genotypes 1-3 (G1-G3). Genotype 3 seems to be novel containing only two newly generated sequences. Indian isolates displayed 88.4-100% and 82.2-100% similarity with each other at nucleotide (nt) and amino acid (aa) levels, respectively. However, the newly generated sequences (n = 36) showed 90.5-100% and 84.3-100% identity between them at nt and aa levels, respectively. The most diverse and heterogeneous genotype, G1, exhibited the highest number of polymorphic sites (S = 148), haplotypes (h = 16) and nucleotide differences (k = 43.23) besides haplotype (Hd = 0.903 ± 0.031) and nucleotide (π = 0.059 ± 0.005) diversities. Neutrality indices suggested a respective decrease and increase in population sizes of G1 and G2 genotypes in India. The nucleotide sequence analyses indicated the presence of extensive sequence variations between nucleotide positions 1-124, 194-257 and 396-494. The N-terminus of Tams1 protein displayed a considerable sequence variability with extensive variations in two regions, between amino acid positions 1-39 and 127-172, as compared to the conserved carboxyl terminus.

Molecular detection and prevalence of Theileria ovis and Anaplasma marginale in sheep blood samples collected from Layyah district in Punjab, Pakistan

Theileria ovis and Anaplasma marginale are intracellular pathogens affecting a wide range of animals, causing huge economic losses worldwide. The present study reports the molecular evidence of Theileria ovis and Anaplasma marginale in sheep blood samples (N = 218) collected from Layyah district in Punjab (Pakistan), where economy heavily relies on livestock. A 520 base pair fragment specific for 18S ribosomal RNA gene of Theileria ovis was PCR amplified in 23/218 (10.6%) sheep blood samples, while for Anaplasma marginale, a 265 base pair fragment specific for msp1b gene was generated in 15/218 (6.9%) sheep blood samples. Two blood samples were found co-infected (0.9%) with both parasites. Amplified PCR products of both parasites were confirmed by DNA sequencing and submitted to GenBank. Prevalence of both Theileria ovis (p = 0.3) and Anaplasma marginale (p = 0.4) varied non-significantly among the investigated sheep breeds. Tick burden on dogs present with sheep herds was found associated with Theileria ovis infection in sheep (p = 0.05). It was observed that lambs (p = 0.009), sheep in small herds (p = 0.04), and tick burden on dogs present with sheep herds (p = 0.01) were associated with Anaplasma marginale infection in sheep during the present study. In conclusion, we are reporting a higher prevalence of Theileria ovis than Anaplasma marginale in blood samples of sheep collected from Layyah district. Tick-infested dogs were found to be risk factors for the transmission of both pathogens in sheep, and tick control strategies should be extended to dogs associated with sheep herds in this area.

Sensitivity and specificity of piroplasm indirect fluorescent antibody test and PCR for Theileria annulata infection in clinically asymptomatic large ruminants using Bayesian latent class analysis

There is limited information about the accuracy of molecular and serological diagnostic assays for tropical theileriosis in asymptomatic carrier large ruminants. This study has estimated the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of PCR and an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in the diagnosis of tropical theileriosis in cattle and buffaloes via a Bayesian latent class analysis (BLCA) framework. Blood samples were collected from 70 cattle and water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) raised under a smallholder production system in different Egyptian localities. T. annulata infection status was detected by PCR, and IFAT and the test results were subjected to BLCA without assuming the existence of a reference test. Our findings showed that the performance of PCR was superior to that of IFAT. PCR showed a higher Se [0.83 (95% PCI: 0.63-0.98)] in comparison to IFAT [0.72 (95% PCI: 0.68-0.75)]. Similarly, PCR showed a higher Sp [0.95 (95% PCI: 0.77-1.00)] than IFAT [0.82 (95% PCI: 0.80-0.84)]. Se and Sp of the two tests did not differ by species implying that the diagnostics' performance for T. annulata infection in bovines is the same regardless of the species under consideration. In conclusion, PCR outperforms IFAT in the detection of T. annulata infection and can thus be applied to routine control of tropical theileriosis in endemic situations where cattle and buffaloes are kept under traditional smallholder production systems.