Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Canine Blood Samples from Kerman, Iran via Real-Time PCR

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Baft Branch, Baft, Iran

2 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Baft Branch, Baft, Iran

Abstract

Anaplasmosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by obligate intracellular bacteria of the genus Anaplasma, capable of infecting both animals and humans. Due to the increasing stray dog population in Kerman city, Iran, and associated zoonotic risks, this study aimed to detect and differentiate Anaplasma species using molecular methods. Fifty dogs were randomly selected from veterinary clinics and city shelters in Kerman, Iran. When necessary, dogs were restrained using standard chemical or mechanical methods. Blood samples were collected and real-time PCR was conducted. For species differentiation, bidirectional nucleotide sequencing was performed using both forward and reverse primers. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis were subsequently performed. Out of 50 samples, three (6%) tested positive by real-time PCR. Nucleotide sequencing confirmed that all positive samples belonged to Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This study demonstrates the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in dogs in Kerman city, Iran, indicating potential zoonotic risks associated with both stray and clinic-admitted animals.

Keywords

Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 July 2025

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