Genomic Search Of Rickettsia Species In The Blood Of Dogs And Cats In Tabriz Region

Members of the genus Rickettsia are Gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacteria transmitted by arthropods to vertebrates, including humans, posing significant public health risks. Companion animals like dogs and cats, due to close contact with humans and vectors, may serve as reservoirs, facilitating zoonotic transmission. This study investigated the molecular prevalence of Rickettsiaceae and specifically identified Rickettsia in blood samples from dogs and cats in Tabriz, Iran. A total of ۱۸۰ blood samples (۱۰۵ dogs, ۷۵ cats) were collected from veterinary clinics. Genomic DNA was extracted and analyzed using a two-step real-time PCR approach. First, all samples were screened for Rickettsiaceae using ۱۶S rRNA gene primers. Positive samples were then confirmed for Rickettsia using gltA (citrate synthase) gene primers. Initial screening detected Rickettsiaceae in ۳ samples (۲ dogs, ۱ cat), yielding a ۱.۶۷% prevalence. Confirmatory testing identified Rickettsia DNA in ۲ of these (۱ dog, ۱ cat), resulting in a confirmed Rickettsia prevalence of ۱.۱۱% (۰.۹۵% in dogs, ۱.۳۳% in cats). One dog sample positive in screening was negative in confirmation, suggesting another Rickettsiaceae member. This study provides the first molecular evidence of Rickettsia in Tabriz’s dog and cat populations. Despite low prevalence, findings confirm these animals can act as silent reservoirs in urban transmission cycles. The dual-target PCR method proved essential for accurate genus-level identification and is recommended for future surveillance.

کلیدواژه ها:

Rickettsia ، Blood ، Dog ، Cat ، Tabriz