Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of Bordetella bronchisepteca in respiratory-diseased pet dogs

This study aimed to molecular identification of Bordetella bronchiseptica in respiratory-diseased pet dogs, estimating the association of infection to hematological parameters and risk factors, with phylogenetic analysis of study B. bronchiseptica isolates. Totally, 100 pet dogs, attended to private veterinary clinics in Baghdad province (Iraq) having various respiratory symptoms were examined clinically; and subjected for collection of nasal swabs and venous blood. For molecular examination, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used, while for hematology, automated blood analyzer was served. Targeting the 16S rRNA gene, the findings revealed that 9% of dogs were positive to B. bronchiseptica. Phylogenetic analysis reported an identity to the NCBI-BLAST Mexican B. bronchiseptica isolate (EU152966.1). Among infected dogs, clinical signs were included itchy nose, cough, fever and lethargy. Concerning risk factors, higher rates of infection were seen in dogs of >1-3 years, ≤ 1 year and >3-6 years; Terrier breed, and female dogs. Hematological parameters of infected dogs were shown a significant increase in total white blood cells (WBCs), monocytes and granulocytes, but a reduction in lymphocytes. However, values oftotal red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelets were differed insignificantly between the infected and non-infected dogs. In conclusion, this study indicates by molecular phylogeny B. bronchiseptica in respiratory-diseased pet dogs with presence of relationship to risk factors and hematology. However, furthermore studies are of great importance to insight the role of B. bronchiseptica in various infections in dogs and other animals.