Vol. 12, Special Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
T Arulkumar, KM Palanivel, R Rishikesavan, G Selvaraju and S Sivaraman

Abstract:
This study describes the detection and characterization of A. marginale infection in dairy cows by targeting different genes. The PCR assay was done using two sets of primers targeting Amar 16S and MSP5 of A. marginale. 245 blood samples were collected from cows in and around Namakkal region, suspicious of A. marginale infection, and were subjected to direct blood smear examination to analyze the status of infection and meanwhile genomic DNA extracted from whole blood samples was subjected to PCR assay. Blood smear examination revealed presence of A. marginale in 18.7% of cases. The PCR analysis targeting Amar16S and MSP5 genes revealed presence of A. marginale (18.35%) and (20.8%) respectively, both targeting genes were present (16.5%). Gene sequencing and phylogenic tree study were performed. Compared to traditional diagnostic method, the PCR assay was more sensitive. So it could be used as a tool to detect subclinical and carrier state animals in Large-scale epidemiological survey for identification of A marginale infection in dairy cattle.