LDI2601
Assignment 2
Semester 2
2025
, ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2
Question 1.1 (5 marks)
Question: Upon your initial observation, what could be the causative agent of this
condition? What is the disease name?
Answer
The symptoms observed in the cattle loss of appetite, fever, decreased milk production,
watery ocular discharge, pale gums (anaemia), dyspnoea, enlarged lymph nodes, and
ticks present are highly indicative of East Coast fever (ECF), also known as Theileriosis.
• Causative agent: Theileria parva, a protozoan parasite.
• Disease name: East Coast fever (ECF).
This disease is common in areas bordering game reserves where African buffalo
(Syncerus caffer) act as reservoir hosts, transmitting the parasite via ticks. The
presence of buffalo in the grazing field strengthens the suspicion of T. parva infection.
Therefore:
• Causative agent: Theileria parva
• Disease name: East Coast fever (Theileriosis)
Question 1.2 (5 marks)
Question: If you have confirmed in 1.1 that this is a tick-borne disease, which type of
ticks are vectors?
Answer
The main vectors of East Coast fever (Theileria parva) are ticks of the genus
Rhipicephalus, specifically:
, • Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (brown ear tick) → the primary vector in East
and Southern Africa.
• Rhipicephalus zambeziensis and Rhipicephalus duttoni → play a role in
some endemic regions.
These ticks transmit Theileria parva when feeding on cattle after previously feeding on
infected African buffalo, which act as natural reservoirs. The parasite develops in the
salivary glands of the ticks and is inoculated into cattle during subsequent feeding.
Therefore:
• Primary vector: Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (brown ear tick).
• Other vectors (secondary in certain areas): R. zambeziensis and R. duttoni.
Question 1.3 (10 marks)
Question: Discuss the type of samples and name laboratory tests that can be used to
diagnose this disease.
Answer
To confirm East Coast fever (ECF) caused by Theileria parva, both clinical samples and
laboratory tests are required.
(a) Types of samples to collect
1. Blood samples (capillary blood smears or venous blood)
o For detection of Theileria parva piroplasms in red blood cells.
2. Lymph node aspirates (especially from enlarged nodes)
o Useful for detecting schizonts (Koch’s blue bodies) in lymphocytes.
3. Tissue samples (from dead animals)
o Spleen, lymph nodes, lungs, and liver for histopathology.
4. Serum samples
o For serological tests (antibody detection).
Assignment 2
Semester 2
2025
, ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2
Question 1.1 (5 marks)
Question: Upon your initial observation, what could be the causative agent of this
condition? What is the disease name?
Answer
The symptoms observed in the cattle loss of appetite, fever, decreased milk production,
watery ocular discharge, pale gums (anaemia), dyspnoea, enlarged lymph nodes, and
ticks present are highly indicative of East Coast fever (ECF), also known as Theileriosis.
• Causative agent: Theileria parva, a protozoan parasite.
• Disease name: East Coast fever (ECF).
This disease is common in areas bordering game reserves where African buffalo
(Syncerus caffer) act as reservoir hosts, transmitting the parasite via ticks. The
presence of buffalo in the grazing field strengthens the suspicion of T. parva infection.
Therefore:
• Causative agent: Theileria parva
• Disease name: East Coast fever (Theileriosis)
Question 1.2 (5 marks)
Question: If you have confirmed in 1.1 that this is a tick-borne disease, which type of
ticks are vectors?
Answer
The main vectors of East Coast fever (Theileria parva) are ticks of the genus
Rhipicephalus, specifically:
, • Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (brown ear tick) → the primary vector in East
and Southern Africa.
• Rhipicephalus zambeziensis and Rhipicephalus duttoni → play a role in
some endemic regions.
These ticks transmit Theileria parva when feeding on cattle after previously feeding on
infected African buffalo, which act as natural reservoirs. The parasite develops in the
salivary glands of the ticks and is inoculated into cattle during subsequent feeding.
Therefore:
• Primary vector: Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (brown ear tick).
• Other vectors (secondary in certain areas): R. zambeziensis and R. duttoni.
Question 1.3 (10 marks)
Question: Discuss the type of samples and name laboratory tests that can be used to
diagnose this disease.
Answer
To confirm East Coast fever (ECF) caused by Theileria parva, both clinical samples and
laboratory tests are required.
(a) Types of samples to collect
1. Blood samples (capillary blood smears or venous blood)
o For detection of Theileria parva piroplasms in red blood cells.
2. Lymph node aspirates (especially from enlarged nodes)
o Useful for detecting schizonts (Koch’s blue bodies) in lymphocytes.
3. Tissue samples (from dead animals)
o Spleen, lymph nodes, lungs, and liver for histopathology.
4. Serum samples
o For serological tests (antibody detection).
