Molecular survey and phylogenetic analysis of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae in dogs from northwest Iran

The purpose of the current study was to examine the occurrence and genetic characteristics of Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) and Bartonella clarridgeiae (B. clarridgeiae) in dogs from West Azerbaijan province, Iran. Blood samples were obtained from 400 dogs, and their gender, age, reproductive status, ownership status, and geographical origin were documented. Positive samples were identified using PCR and sequencing techniques, and the gene sequences of the ftsZ (for B.henselae) and gltA (for B.clarridgeiae) genes were examined using BioEdit software. The gene sequences acquired demonstrated a minimum similarity of 100.00% when compared to the reference sequences in the GenBank® database. Additionally, a phylogenetic tree was built using MEGA11. The findings of the study indicated that 8.5% (p<0.05; 95%, CI: 6.15%–11.64%) of the tested dogs were positive for B. henselae, and 3.25% (p<0.05; 95%, CI: 1.91%–5.48%) were positive for B. clarridgeiae. The results for both Bartonella species showed a significant difference (p=0.001) between neutered and nonneutered dogs, as well as a significant difference (p=0.001 and p=0.004) between stray and pet dogs. The study's findings highlight the significant role that dogs could potentially engage as the origins of Bartonella infection, as a zoonotic agent, in the region.