Babesia canis spp. in dogs in Baghdad Province, Iraq: First molecular identification and clinical and epidemiological study

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate babesiosis in dogs of different breeds and ages and of both sexes in Baghdad Province by molecular detection of Babesia canis using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing followed by phylogenetic analyses. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 310 dogs of different ages and breeds, and of both sexes in different areas of Baghdad Province from December 2018 to September 2019; during clinical examinations, body temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and signs of diseases were recorded. PCR was used to amplify a specific 450-bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene of B. canis. PCR products were sequenced, and MEGA 6.0 software was used for analysis. Chi-square and odds ratio tests were used to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of babesiosis. Results: Clinical signs of babesiosis included paleness or icterus of the mucus membranes, tick infestation, and febrile illness during the acute and subacute phase. The prevalence of infection with B. canis was 5.1%, with the higher prevalence in male dogs and in dogs <3 years of age. Huskies were more likely to be infected than other dogs. Infection prevalence was highest in April and June and was higher in spring and summer than in winter. Using sequence data, 14 isolates of Babesia canis canis and one isolate of each Babesia canis rossi and Babesia canis vogeli were identified. Phylogenetic analyses of B. canis canis revealed that three shared clades and several isolated lineages were similar to other isolates (97-99% similarity), whereas B. canis vogeli and B. canis rossi showed similarities of 98% and 99% with isolates from other geographical regions. Conclusion: This study provides the first molecular record and phylogenic analysis of B. canis in dogs in Iraq, and it will be valuable for confirming clinical signs and studying epidemiological risk factors of babesiosis in dogs.