Molecular detection and genetic variability of in pet dogs in Xinjiang, China.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

As a tick-borne zoonotic pathogen, has already posed a threat to public health and safety. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence and molecular characteristics of in pet dogs in Xinjiang, China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 297 blood samples of pet dogs and 709 skin ticks () were subjected to molecular detection using PCR for 16S gene, and then, positive samples were amplified, sequenced, and phylogenetically analyzed for gene.

RESULTS

The PCR detection showed that the positive rate of PCR was 12.12% (36/297) in blood samples and 15.23% (108/709) in tick samples, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of protein, these strains in different geographical regions of the world can be divided into Genogroup I and Genogroup II. Among them, the Xinjiang epidemic strain XJ-6 and 533, 36, 1055, Kasur1, and Jake strains were clustered into subgroup 1.1 of Genogroup I, while the XJ-2, XJ-21, and XJ-35 strains and the TWN1, TWN4, CM180, and CM196 strains were closely related and belonged to subgroup 2.2 of Genogroup II, displaying high genetic diversity.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study focusing on the molecular epidemiology of infection in pet dogs, which revealed that infection had been occurred in Xinjiang, China. More importantly, this study confirmed that the substantial variability in immunoreactive protein from strains circulating in pet dogs.