Molecular Detection of Bovine Leukocytic Anaplasma Species in Isfahan, Iran

Background: A. bovis and A. phagocytophilium are leukocytotropic agents of bovine anaplasmosis. They are obligate intracellular bacteria that can infect and cause Anaplasmosis in human and animals. Therefore, this study was carried out to detect A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum in naturally infected dairy cattle in Isfahan using molecular techniques. Materials and Methods: In this study a total of 209 blood samples were collected from cattle in central part of Iran (Isfahan). The presence of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilium were examined by species-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) based on 16S rRNA gene. Results: Out of the 209 cattle examined, 4 (1.99%) and 2 (1%) were found positive for A. bovis and A. phagocytophilium by nPCR, respectively. Conclusion: These data showed a relatively low prevalence of leukocytic Anaplasma infection in cattle in central part of Iran.