Abstract: According to ITS gene sequence of Theileria sergenti in GenBank (AY661522.1), a pair of specific primers was designed and synthesized using Primer Premier 5.0 and Oligo 6.31.Using T. sergenti DNA as templates, PCR method of T.sergenti was established. 1020 bp fragments were amplified. The fragments shared 98% homology with the reference sequence. The established PCR method showed no cross reaction with Mycoplasma suis, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. The minimum detectable DNA amount was 1.5 pg/μL. Sixty clinical samples were detected by PCR method and microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears. The results showed that the PCR method was sensitive and specific. It was suitable for the detection of T. sergenti.

Key words: Theileria sergenti; ITS gene; PCRc-Jun