Haematological Alterations and Molecular Detection of Anaplasma marginale in Cattle, Western Iraq | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Medical Microbiology | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 01 July 2026 PDF (475.1 K) | ||
| Document Type: New and original researches in the field of Microbiology. | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejmm.2025.430320.1912 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Suad S. Shahatha* 1; Engie A. K. Alabbas2; Hind Y. Khalaf3; Hanan H. Mutlaq1; Ayad J. Dhulkefl2; Noor T. Abd1 | ||
| 1Department of Desert Development, Center of Desert Studies, University of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq | ||
| 2Department of Occupational Safety and Occupational Medicine Techniques, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk, Iraq | ||
| 3Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Bovine anaplasmosis is a communicable disease transmitted via ticks, which carries significant veterinary and economic implications. Data from western Iraq remains scarce despite high cattle exposure to vector-borne infections. Objective: To determine the incidence of Anaplasma marginale in cattle in Anbar Province, compare the diagnostic performance of microscopy, ELISA, and PCR, and assess associated haematological changes. Methodology: Between January and December 2024, three hundred blood samples were drawn from cattle (1–10 years, both sexes) across 20 farms in Haditha, Heet, Al-Qaim, and Rutba districts; Giemsa-stained smears, a commercial ELISA, and PCR targeting the msp5 gene were used for diagnosis. Haematological parameters (RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC) were measured using an automated analyser. Prevalence was determined by sex, age, and season, while haematological data were compared by t-tests (α = 0.05). Results: Prevalence was 28.0% by microscopy, 36.3% by ELISA, and 41.3% by PCR, with PCR being most sensitive. Infection rate was higher among females (46.9%) compared to males (33.6%), and in older cattle than in younger ones; Peak rates occurred in the summer (62.6%), with the lowest rates in winter (17.3%). Infected cattle had reduced Hb, PCV, RBC, and elevated WBC counts. Conclusion: This study provides the first detailed epidemiological report on bovine anaplasmosis in western Iraq. The results confirm that PCR is the most sensitive tool, underlining host and seasonal influences on infection and revealing distinct haematological alterations. These findings provide a surveillance baseline and support control strategies against A. marginale in endemic regions. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Anaplasma marginale; Epidemiology; Hematological alterations; PCR; Cattle | ||
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