Molecular characterization and phylogenic analysis of Anaplasma spp. in small ruminants from Sulaymaniyah governorate, Iraq

Anaplasma spp. are significant arthropod-borne bacteria globally, but documented information about anaplasmosis in small ruminants the north of Iraq is insufficient. Hence, this study was conducted to determine prevalence and identify sheep goat tick vector populations Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Iraq. The population consisted 470 145 goats from 45 livestock farms 10 geographical locations Governorate. accomplished April December 2017. Blood samples were taken jugular vein used for DNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers based on 16S rRNA Fragments PCR products sequenced phylogenetic analysis. 58.9% results. Furthermore, 57.9% positive anaplasmosis. sequences represented 100% identity with previously GenBank isolates A. ovis Iran, Netherlands, China, Mongolia. Altogether, 150 Ixodid ticks picked within same flocks identified morphological features. Various infestation rates observed; 40% belonged Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 34% turanicus, 18% Hyalomma anatolicum, 8% Boophilus microplus (Rhipicephalus microplus). present report first molecular species Governorate northern best our knowledge. concluded that endemic investigated areas.