Molecular detection and identification of Bartonella species in cats from Hamedan and Kermanshah, Western Iran. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shamshiri, Zahra; Goudarztalejerdi, Ali; Zolhavarieh, Seyed Masoud; Greco, Grazia; Sazmand, Alireza; Chomel, Bruno B.
• Is Part Of: Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases. Volume 89(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Bartonella -- Cat -- Epidemiology -- Iran -- PCR -- Zoonotic; Communicable diseases in animals -- Periodicals; Veterinary immunology -- Periodicals; Veterinary microbiology -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- immunology -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- veterinary -- Periodicals; Allergy and Immunology -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; Immunologie -- Périodiques; Microbiologie -- Périodiques; Maladies infectieuses -- Périodiques; Communicable diseases; Immunology; Microbiology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 636.08969
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101879
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0147-9571

Abstract

Abstract: Bartonella species are emerging vector-borne zoonotic pathogens which infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals as well as humans. Cats are the primary reservoir hosts for several zoonotic Bartonella spp., the most common being B. henselae the causative agent of cat scratch disease. Despite the important role of cats in the epidemiology of bartonellosis, there is limited information about the prevalence and species infecting cats in Iran. The aim of present study was molecular detection and identification of Bartonella species in cats from two western provinces Hamedan and Kermanshah. From December 2018 to February 2021, 87 cats ( n = 26 from Hamedan, n = 61 from Kermanshah) were examined clinically, their bodies were searched for collection of ectoparasites, and cephalic or saphenous blood specimens were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood specimens and conventional PCRs targeting the rpoB, and ITS regions of Bartonella spp. were performed. Positive samples were sequenced and analysed phylogenetically. Bartonella DNA was detected in 11/87 cats (12.64 %). Sequencing results revealed the presence of B. henselae in cats from Hamedan, and B. clarridgeiae and B. henselae in cats from Kermanshah. A statistical association between cat origin and the prevalence of Bartonella spp. was observed in the studied population. This study confirms for the first time the circulation of Bartonella spp. in cats in two western Iranian provinces. Prevention strategies e.g. ectoparasites control, and regular examination of pet and urban cats are suggested for minimising Bartonella infection in cats and subsequently in humans. Highlights: First report of the presence of Bartonella spp. in cats in western Iran. The prevalence of Bartonella spp. was significantly higher in the shelter cats. Cat housing is a risk factor in the dispersion of Bartonella spp. in cats. Arthropod and cat fighting have role in the dispersion of Bartonella spp. in cats.