In vitro cultivation of a Theileria species from a roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus)

Parasitol Res. 2009 Nov;105(6):1755-7. doi: 10.1007/s00436-009-1589-4. Epub 2009 Aug 15.

Abstract

Here we describe the in vitro isolation, propagation, and characterization of a Theileria species from roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus). Cultures were initiated using parts of a prescapular lymph node of an infected roan antelope. After 16 days of culture propagation, the first subculture was carried out; thereafter, subcultures were carried out twice a week. Standard methods for the cultivation of Theileria macroschizonts were applied. DNA was extracted from culture material and a partial polymerase chain reaction amplification of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was carried out using Theileria genus-specific primers. It has been shown that Theileria sp. (roan) had high levels of nucleic acid identity with sequence data of the 18S rRNA gene of a Theileria sp. previously isolated from a sable antelope. The phylogenetic analysis showed that this isolate is closely related to several undescribed Theileria spp. which have previously been identified from a dog and some other antelope species in South Africa.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • DNA, Protozoan / isolation & purification
  • Lymph Nodes / parasitology
  • Parasitology / methods*
  • Phylogeny
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / isolation & purification
  • Ruminants / parasitology*
  • Sequence Analysis
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • South Africa
  • Theileria / genetics
  • Theileria / growth & development*
  • Theileria / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Protozoan
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S