Molecular detection of Spirochetes and Borrelia burgdorferi in stray dogs of Nineveh province, Iraq.

Background: Borrelia burgdorferi is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes Lyme disease or borreliosis in domestic and wild animals, including dogs, with the possible transmission to humans. Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the infection rate of Spirochetes and B. burgdorferi in stray dogs in Nineveh province, Iraq. Methods: During the period from May to October (2022), a total of 55 stray dogs were selected randomly from different areas in Nineveh province, Iraq. Blood samples were collected from cephalic venous and tested molecularly using the conventional polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: The present study revealed that the total infection rates of Spirochetes and B. burgdorferi were 41.82% and 27.27%, respectively. Concerning age, values of infection rate, odds ratio, and relative risk of B. burgdorferi were increased significantly in dogs aged ? 4 months (42.86%, 3.505%, and 2.438%, respectively), while decreased in dogs of ? 1-3 (12.5%, 0.337% and 0.42%, respectively) and ? 3 (13.33%, 0.32% and 0.409%) years old when compared to dogs aged 5-12 months (27.27%, 1% and 1%, respectively). While concerning dogs sex, a significantly higher infection rate, odds ratio, and relative risk of B. burgdorferi were shown in females (32.56%, 5.495% and 6.792%, respectively) compared to males (8.33%, 0.182% and 0.147%, respectively). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first Iraqi study on the prevalence of spirochetes, in particular B. burgdorferi, in stray dogs in Nineveh province (Iraq). However, additional studies of B. burgdorferi infection in other animals as well as vectors such as ticks in different geographic areas, appear necessary to detect variation in the distribution patterns of infection. In addition, owners and veterinarians should be aware of zoonotic diseases transmitted from wild and domestic animals, in particular those with tick-bite histories.

Seroprevalence of canine hepatitis in stray dogs in Nineveh Province, Iraq.

AIM: The current study was conducted to explore evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in dogs in Nineveh Province, Iraq. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum samples of 78 dogs were used to (i) estimate levels of the antibodies against HBV through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and (ii) measure the activity of liver function enzymes. RESULTS: Seropositive dogs for HBV constituted 9% of total tested dogs. The differences in seropositivity among males compared to females and among different ages were not statistically significant. Liver function enzymes analysis revealed a significant increase in the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in seropositive dogs compared to those seronegative. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis B is evident in dogs in Nineveh Province, Iraq, with a significant impact on liver function in affected dogs. It is important to confirm this evidence through molecular tests.

Isolation, molecular identification, and pathological lesions of Saprolegnia spp. isolated from common carp, Cyprinus carpio in floating cages in Mosul, Iraq.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Saprolegniasis is a fungal disease that infects freshwater fish. The condition is characterized by a cotton-like appearance in the gills and body. This study aimed to isolate Saprolegnia from common carp, Cyprinus carpio, raised in a floating cage in Wana district, Mosul, Iraq. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were collected from 15 infected fish and examined microbiologically, molecularly, and histopathologically. Saprolegnia DNA was extracted which was amplified using universal primers give a 540 bp DNA fragment, and gill and muscle tissue were also examined for histopathological changes. RESULTS: Isolated colonies of Saprolegnia were characterized by a circular, white cottony appearance with long hair. Lactophenol staining demonstrated hyphae as branched non-septate, transparent masses. The genomic DNA of isolates was consistent with Saprolegnia spp. The infected tissue samples showed variable pathology in gills. Severe hemorrhage and edema were observed in primary gill filaments with hyperplasia in epithelial cells and infusion in secondary gill filaments. Hyphae of Saprolegnia were seen between necrotic and edematous myofiber with inflammatory cells infiltration. CONCLUSION: Saprolegnia can cause economic impacts through lethal infection of fish. Clinical signs of Saprolegnia infection were confirmed molecularly and microscopically, and these findings were supported by histopathological lesions in gill and muscle tissues.