Molecular study ofisolated from horses with strangles in Iraq.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Strangles is a highly contagious equine respiratory disease caused by. It is a globally significant pathogen and one of the most common infectious agents in horses. In Iraq, no sequencing data on this pathogen are available, and only two molecular studies have been published to date. This study provides preliminary insights into strain diversity and provides a foundation for future large-scale investigations. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics, identifygene alleles, and perform a phylogenetic analysis ofisolates from horses in Baghdad, Iraq. METHODS: We analyzed 59. isolates previously obtained from horses clinical samples. Conventional PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) targeting thegene was used to identify. Additionally, nine PCR- positivegene products were sequenced, followed by phylogenetic analysis and allele identification. RESULTS: We confirmed 49 isolates asfrom the 59 isolates according to the molecular assay. Additionally, nine PCR products were used for sequencing and allele typing of thegene, which provided the initial report of-97 allele identification in Iraq. Phylogenetic analysis along withgene typing revealed a close relationship between the Iraqi strains and one Iranian strain with 100% sequence identity, revealing important epidemiological relationships that may indicate regional ties to the strain detected in Iran. CONCLUSION: The present study represents the first investigation ofallele typing in Iraq, identifying the-97 allele ofalong with its unique amino acid variations. The findings highlight genetic similarities between Iraqi isolates and a strain from Iran, suggesting the potential regional dissemination of.