Neospora caninum detection by nested PCR in domestic and stray dogs in Baghdad City

Abstract

Neospora caninum a protozoan parasite causes abortions in cattle, as well as neurological disorders and reproductive problems in dogs. This study was conducted to detect Neospora caninum in fecal samples of stray and domestic dogs and determine the effects of sex, age, months and areas in the infection rate in Baghdad city by using molecular technique (Nested PCR– n PCR) during the period of the beginning of January to October (2021). The total infection rate was 10% (10/100).Higher infection rate 15.30% (8/52) was recorded in stray dogs than domestic dogs 4.16 % (2/48), and males than females (12.72% and 6.66%) respectively. The higher infection rate (7.70%) was recorded in the age group more than 5 years, while no infection rate (0.00%) was found in the age group less than 2 years. A higher infection rate (20.00%) was recorded in May while no infection rate (0.00%) was found in January and February. A significant (P≤0.01) difference was found in the infection rate among areas and the higher infection rate was recorded in Al-Shalaa (20.00%), while no infection rate (0.00%) was found in Al-Salam and Al-Gzalia areas.