Iranian Veterinary Journal

Iranian Veterinary Journal

Molecular Detection of Blood-Borne Parasites in Ticks Infested Dogs in Wasit Province, Iraq

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Anas Hasan Hatthoot 1
Mousa Tavassoli 2
Mohamad Yakhchali 2
Ghassan jabbar khalaf AL_Abedi 3
1 PhD Student of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University Urmia Iran
2 Professor, Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Urmia University Urmia Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Laboratories Techniques, Faculty of Health and Medical Techniques, University of Kut, Wasit, 52001, Iraq
10.22055/ivj.2025.553027.2858
Abstract
    Haemoparasitic infections are frequently observed in dogs from tropical regions, including Iraq. Numerous dogs become infected with several blood parasites. This investigation was designed in Wasit Province, Iraq, to conduct a comprehensive molecular detection and characterization of haemoparasites in ticks that infested dogs. This cross-sectional study was performed from the beginning of May 2024 to the end of December 2024. Totally, 280 stray dogs were examined in different areas in Waist, Iraq. All animals were systematically examined for tick infestation; for this, the collected ticks were preserved in ethanol and were identified using standard taxonomic keys. The sample was obtained from the ticks infested dogs and was used for both microscopic and molecular analysis to detect piroplasms (Babesia, Theileria), and Anaplasma. The total DNA was extracted followed by nested PCR using primer targeting16S rRNA gene to detect the Anaplasma spp., and 18SrRNA for Babesia spp. and Theilleria spp. The PCR products were confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Morphological examination revealed that the adult ticks identified belonged to the Ixodid family, with four species classified under the genus Rhipicephalus (Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus pravus, and Rhipicephalus camicasi). Nested PCR analysis further demonstrated the presence of Anaplasma spp. in 16 tick samples (16%), Babesia spp. in 14 dogs (14%), and Theileria spp. in 11 dogs (11%). These results highlight the role of ticks as potential reservoirs for Anaplasma, Babesia, and Theileria species, emphasizing their importance in the transmission dynamics of these blood parasites and their possible impact on livestock health and productivity.
Keywords
Iraq
Blood-Borne Parasites
Dog
Tick
Nested PCR assay

Subjects

 
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