Evaluation of the natural vertical transmission of Theileria orientalis

Bovine theileriosis, caused by Theileria orientalis, is endemic from East Asia to Oceania. Even though the disease is mainly transmitted by Haemaphysalis ticks, the T. orientalis parasite can also be transmitted vertically. To develop proper control measures, the frequency of each transmission route must be elucidated. However, the frequency of vertical transmission, including transplacental transmission, of T. orientalis in naturally infected cattle is still controversial. This study aimed to clarify the frequency of the vertical transmission of T. orientalis in naturally infected cattle. Blood samples were collected from 204 T. orientalis-infected dams and their 211 newborn calves (including 7 sets of twins) within the first 24 h as well as 30 days after birth. Furthermore, 31 and 24 calves born to T. orientalis-infected and uninfected dams, respectively, were continuously surveyed for infection until 5 months of age. A total of 5 (2.4%) dams were diagnosed with mild anemia, whereas most of the dams were asymptomatic based on hematological examination and clinical signs. PCR analysis was performed on whole blood to determine the presence of T. orientalis in calves, and no calves were PCR positive 0 and 30 days after birth. However, 9.6% and 0% of the calves born to T. orientalis-infected and uninfected dams, respectively, tested positive at 3 and 5 months of age. The sampled calves were fed in-house, and the survey was conducted during the cold season; thus, horizontal transmission through blood-sucking insects rarely occurred. Therefore, the vertical transmission of T. orientalis took as long as 3 months to become detectable by PCR and occurred in approximately 10% of field cattle.