molecular detection and genetic characterization of anaplasma phagocytophilum in canine blood samples via real-time pcr from kerman, iran

Anaplasmosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by obligate intracellular bacteria of the genus anaplasma, capable of infecting both animals and humans. due to the increasing stray dog population in kerman city, iran, and associated zoonotic risks, this study aimed to detect and differentiate anaplasma species using molecular methods. fifty dogs were randomly selected from veterinary clinics and city shelters in kerman, iran. when necessary, dogs were restrained using standard chemical or mechanical methods. blood samples were collected and real-time pcr was conducted. for species differentiation, bidirectional nucleotide sequencing was performed using both forward and reverse primers. multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis were subsequently performed. out of 50 samples, three (6%) tested positive by real-time pcr. nucleotide sequencing confirmed that all positive samples belonged to anaplasma phagocytophilum. this study demonstrates the presence of anaplasma phagocytophilum in dogs in kerman city, iran, indicating potential zoonotic risks associated with both stray and clinic-admitted animals.