LAUSR

The current investigation was conducted to evaluate hematological and biochemical changes in naturally infected sheep and goats with Theileria spp. infection and to compare the conventional microscopic method of diagnosis with PCR amplification. A total of 200 blood samples (144 sheep and 56 goats) were collected and examined for the presence of Theileria infection. 12.5% and 39.5% blood samples were found positive with Theileria infection by microscopic examination and PCR amplification respectively. Hematological parameters were analyzed by automatic hematology analyzer (Diatron Abacus) while serum biochemistry was studied by Semi-automatic Chemistry Analyzer (Micro Lab 300). Hematological parameters revealed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in RBCs counts, Hb contents, PCV, MCH and MCHC values while non-significant (p > 0.05) correlation in MCV values of Theileria infected small ruminants. Biochemical analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total serum protein and albumin concentration while non-significant (p > 0.05) rise in urea and cholesterol level in infected animals compared to normal. Theileria piroplasms prevalence during early stage of disease without any clinical symptoms can only be identified through PCR amplification compared to microscopic examination.