Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasma phagocytophilum-related strains and Hepatozoon spp. in domestic cats in eastern Türkiye

BACKGROUND: Tick-borne pathogens are increasingly recognized as important threats to veterinary and public health. However, the epidemiological role of cats in the transmission of Anaplasma phagocytophilum-related strains and Hepatozoon spp. remains unclear. In Türkiye, A. phagocytophilum-like 1 (AP-like 1) has been reported in ruminants and ticks; however, molecular evidence in feline hosts has not been documented. This study aimed to investigate the molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of A. phagocytophilum-related strains and Hepatozoon spp. in domestic cats from eastern Turkey. METHODS: Blood samples from 93 domestic cats from animal shelters in Van and Batman provinces were screened using PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma spp. and the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. Positive samples were characterized by restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing, followed by phylogenetic analysis using the Maximum Likelihood method. RESULTS: Anaplasma DNA was detected in 78.5% (73/93) of cats, and RFLP analysis indicated that all positive samples were consistent with AP-like 1, representing the first molecular evidence of this variant in domestic cats in Türkiye. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the feline isolates clustered with ruminant-derived strains, suggesting shared transmission cycles and low host specificity. Hepatozoon spp. DNA was detected in 8.6% (8/93) of the samples. Based on sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of a subset of positive samples, the isolates were identified as Hepatozoon felis genotype I. The absence of other variants in the sequenced subset may suggest regional differences; however, this finding should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number of sequences analyzed. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of AP-like 1 and support the circulation of Hepatozoon felis genotype I in domestic cats from eastern Türkiye, highlighting the potential role of feline hosts in regional transmission dynamics. This study expands current knowledge of the host range and epidemiology of A. phagocytophilum-related strains and Hepatozoon spp. and underscores the importance of integrated molecular surveillance and vector control strategies within the One Health framework.