Molecular detection of <i>Ehrlichia canis</i> in ticks population collected on dogs in Meshkin-Shahr, Ardebil Province, Iran

Abstract

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a disease which can cause death in dogs and cats by the Ehrlichia canis and transmitted by hard ticks. The main vector is Rhipicephalus sanguineus which is a common tick in Iran and common ectoparasite on dogs. Few researches has been done to show Ehrlichiosis situation in dog’s ticks. Animal husbandry in Meshkin-Shahr County from Ardebil province (North-West Iran) is the main job of people. Specimens were collected on dogs’ ears, neck, shoulder and toes and they were transferred to the Entomology Laboratory, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. After DNA extraction, Ehrlichia agent was detected by nested-PCR, 16 s rRNA amplification. Determination of sequence homologies have been done in Gen-Bank. 146 ticks were identified which included 29.44% female and 47.94% male. Rhipicephalus sanguineus were the most prevalent ticks. Ehrlichia spp and Anaplasma spp were found in 43.84% of all the specimens containing Anaplasma ovis, and Ehrlichia sp. and Herlichia canis. Rhipicephalus sanguineus is widely spread and the most common ticks on dogs. As far as we know, this is the first report of E. canis in vector from Iran. Nested PCR showed that hard ticks can contain Anaplasma ovis, Ehrlichia spp and E. canis. These results warrant studying on vector competence of ticks for the Ehrlichiosis agents.