Публікація: Molecular and sequencing study of Otodectes cynotis in cats in Karbala province/Iraq
Ескіз недоступний
Дата
2026
Автори
Alali, F.
Jassem, M. I.
Alsheikh, S. M.
Jawad, M.
Melnychuk, V. V.
Мельничук, Віталій Васильович
Назва видання
ISSN
Назва тому
Видання
Анотація
Background: Otodectes cynotis is an obligate ectoparasite and a major cause of otodectosis (ear mange) in domestic and wild animals, particularly cats. Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of O. cynotis infestation among cats in Karbala province, Iraq, evaluate associated demographic/risk factors, and perform molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of local isolates. Methods: Ear swab samples were collected from 187 cats presenting at the Teaching Animal Hospital of Kerbala University. Diagnosis was confirmed using otoscopic and microscopic examinations. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the rDNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) region was performed on 10 isolates from three cat breeds (Sherazi, Himalayan, and Scottish). The PCR products (570 bp) were sequenced and analyzed using BioEdit, ClustalW, and MEGA software (Neighbor-Joining method). Results: The overall prevalence of O. cynotis was 46% (86/187). Statistical analysis showed no significant association between infestation rates and season, sex, body weight, or breed ($p > 0.05$), though age was significantly associated with infection, showing the highest prevalence in kittens under one year old ($p = 0.036$). Pruritus was the predominant clinical sign (90.7%). Sequencing revealed two novel Iraqi genotypes submitted to GenBank under accession numbers PV123832 and PV564189. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated close genetic clustering between the novel isolates, reference strain HQ728005.1, and canine isolate KP676677.1. Conclusion: Otodectes cynotis is highly prevalent among domestic cats in Karbala, with young animals being particularly vulnerable. The high genetic similarity between cat- and dog-derived isolates emphasizes low host specificity, highlighting the need for continuous molecular surveillance to control potential mite outbreaks and transmission.
Опис
Ключові слова
Otodectes cynotis, ear mites, cats, molecular characterization, PCR, sequencing, Karbala province, Iraq
Бібліографічний опис
Alali F., Jassem M. I., Alsheikh S. M., Jawad M., Melnychuk V. Molecular and sequencing study of Otodectes cynotis in cats in Karbala province/Iraq. Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences. 2026. Vol. 27, No 2. P. 121–127. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23902/trkjnat.2025918