First molecular sequencing ofin ticks, Iraq.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tick is one of the most important ectoparasites distributed worldwide and plays an obvious role in the transmission of different infections to humans and animals as dogs. AIM: This study conducted to molecular demonstration ofin ticks of stray dogs and phylogenetic analysis of study isolates to detect their identity to global isolates. Prevalence of ticks in dogs, identification of tick species, and their relationship to some risk factors were aimed, also. METHODS: A total of 97 stray dogs were inspected grossly to detect and collect ticks that existed in different body parts. After collection, all ticks were examined morphologically to identify their species, and then molecularly by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detectin different species of ticks. Localisolates were sequenced, documented in the National Center For biotechnology information (NCBI) database, analyzed phylogenetically, and compared with the global GenBank-NCBI isolates. RESULTS: In the current study, ticks were detected in 43.3% of dogs, and were shown to be varied in number and distribution among different body parts of each dog. Concerning its distribution, ticks were observed significantly on the abdomen, ear, and perineal region. In relation to risk factors, ticks were increased significantly in dogs <6 months old in comparison to older dogs, males more than females; and in rural areas more than dogs of sub-urban and urban areas. Based on morphology, different tick species were seen including(86.12%),(11.99%), and(1.89%). Targeting thegene, PCR assay reported 3.79% positive ticks tothat were seen in(13.16%) and(2.56%). Based on phylogenetic analysis data of five localisolates, this study demonstrated their close relations to the global NCBI-BLASTIraqi isolate (ID: MN385424.1). CONCLUSION: This represents the first Iraqi study that demonstrated molecularlyin different species of ticks that infected stray dogs.