Isolation of Bovine leukemia virus from cows with persistent lymphocytosis in Iraq.

This is the first study to report on the isolation of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of two cross bred cows in Iraq. The cattle were seropositive by ELISA when selected while being surveyed for the detection of BLV. Among six cows, two were cases of persistent lymphocytosis (PL). Cytopathology was characterized by the formation of multinucleated giant cells (syncytia) and cytoplasmic vacuoles. Moreover, the viruses produced clear plaques on the monolayer of the primary fetal calf kidney (FCK) cells. Inhibition of plaque formation by BLV-antisera suggested a diagnosis of BLV, which was further confirmed by PCR. Cells infected with the isolates were positive to a monoclonal antibody against the viral gp51 trans-membrane glycoprotein by immunocytochemistry. Both isolates replicated and induced cytopathic effects in bovine and human cell line cultures. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial gp51 env gene sequences revealed that Iraqi strain highly homogenous with Turkey strain (100%) and had 1% distance value with other world strains. In conclusion, this present study found that BLV-infected cattle with PL can be a source for viral isolation, and the cytopathological features of the virus infection are arranged and differ depending on the cell type. This is the first study to report on the isolation of the EBL virus in Iraq, and it provides the basis for further studies about a BLV Iraqi strain that can help control this disease.

Molecular prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in sheep from Iraq.

Background: Tick-borne diseases are widely distributed among animal populations and are responsible for significant economic losses. However, little attention has been offered for screening such infections world widely. Anaplasma phagocytophilum is among those neglected tick-borne pathogens, particularly in the developing countries. Aim: This study was conducted to detect A. phagocytophilum infection among sheep in three governorates of Iraq (Babylon, Wasit, and Missan) and try to identify the potential tick vector responsible for A. phagocytophilum transmission among sheep in these analyzed regions. Methods: A total of 297 blood samples and 103 ticks were collected and examined for A. phagocytophilum by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers amplifying partial sequence for msp4 gene. Results: The results showed that about 14 out of 297 tested sheep were positive for A. phagocytophilum. There was no difference between A. phygocytophilum prevalence according to animal gender, age, and sampling period. Furthermore, our analysis showed that the main vectors of A. phagocytophilum: Ixodes scapularis, I. pacificus, or I. ricinus were not identified in three regions of Iraq (Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma anatolicum, and Hyalomma turanicum were identified). Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of the survey of the tick-borne bacterial infections in Iraq and in the Middle East region in general.

Serological and molecular detection of bovine leukemia virus in cattle in Iraq.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is highly endemic in many countries, including Iraq, and it impacts the beef and dairy industries. The current study sought to determine the percentage of BLV infection and persistent lymphocytosis (PL) in cattle in central Iraq. Hematological, serological, and molecular observations in cross breeds and local breeds of Iraqi cattle naturally infected with BLV were conducted in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 400 cattle (340 cross breed and 60 local breed) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). On the basis of the absolute number of lymphocytes, five of the 31 positive PCR cases had PL. Among these leukemic cattle, one case exhibited overt neutrophilia. Serum samples were used to detect BLV antibodies, which were observed in 28 (7%) samples. PCR detected BLV provirus in 31 samples (7.75%). All 28 of the seropositive samples and the 3 seronegative samples were positive using PCR. Associations were observed between bovine leukosis and cattle breed, age and sex. Age-specific analysis showed that the BLV percentage increased with age in both breeds. Female cattle (29 animals; 7.34%) exhibited significantly higher infectivity than male cattle (two animals; 4.34%). In conclusion, comprehensive screening for all affected animals is needed in Iraq; programs that segregate cattle can be an effective and important method to control and/or eliminate the BLV.