Abstract:
The epidemiological aspects of sheep piroplasmosis in Sudan are poorly studied, and further
investigations using sensitive and precise techniques are required. In this study, the Reverse Line Blot (RLB)
hybridization assay was used to detect and simultaneously differentiate between Theileria and Babesia species. DNA
was extracted from blood collected on filter paper (n=219) from apparently healthy sheep from six different
geographical localities in Sudan. Results indicated that Theileria ovis (88.6%), T. separata (20.1%), T. lestoquardi
(16.4%) and T. annulata (16.4%) DNA could be detected in the blood samples. Single and mixed Theileria infections
were detected in 74 (33.8%) and 124 (56.6%) respectively and T. ovis being the most prevalent species in the country.
T. ovis and T. separata were reported for the first time in sheep in Sudan.
