Pericarditis caused by Proteus mirabilis in sheep.

Pericarditis means inflammation in the pericardial sac. Pericarditis is divided into three categories based on morphology, including fibrinous, purulent, and constrictive. In the present study, a 7-month-old male Ghezel breed sheep was examined for low weighting rate for three months. Tachypnea, tachycardia, heart friction sound, absence of fever and normal appetite were recorded in the clinical examination. In the patient's history, there was a history of perforated chest trauma behind the left scapula about three months ago. After the echocardiography examination and bacteriology procedures, purulent pericarditis caused by Proteus mirabilis was diagnosed. The bacterium was analysed using genome sequencing and new strain called Abhar114 was diagnosed. This is the first report of pericarditis caused by Proteus mirabilis in sheep.

Molecular detection of polycystic kidney disease in Persian and Persian-related breeds in Iran.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at detecting feline autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in a population of Persian and Persian-related breeds by a molecular method in Iran. METHODS: Buccal swab samples were collected from 47 cats and examined with a touchdown PCR method. Additionally, partial sequencing was performed in two cats with bilateral renal cysts. RESULTS: Twenty-two cats (46.8%) were diagnosed as heterozygous for this mutation. Sequence analysis of two cats showed C to A point mutation in the PKD1 gene, as in previous studies. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Prevalence of this disease is high in Iran, highlighting the need for molecular screening tests before including cats in breeding programmes.

Intestinal microsporidia infection among cat owners and non-pet owners in Iran: a case-control study.

Microsporidia is a group of spore-forming microorganisms with zoonotic potential. This study aimed to compare intestinal microsporidia infections in cat owners and non-pet owners. In total, 210 fecal samples were collected from indoor cats, cat owners, and non-pet owners. DNA extraction was performed and the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene was amplified. To characterize the genotypes, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) fragment was amplified and sequenced. The phylogenetic trees were drawn to evaluate the relationship among Enterocytozoon bieneusi isolates. Two (2.9%) and one (1.4%) fecal samples from cat owners and one (1.4%) and two (2.9%) fecal samples from non-pet owners were positive for E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis, respectively. E. bieneusi was detected in two cat samples (2.9%). Same infection was not seen between infected cats and their owners. There was no significant difference between the prevalence rate of microsporidia among the cat owners and non-pet owners. Indeed, the genotypes L and type IV were seen in cats, while the genotype D was only detected in human. In this study, E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis were more prevalent among the cat owners and non-pet owners, respectively. Indeed, the higher prevalence of E. bieneusi in cats and their owners might be resulted from the worldwide distribution of this species.

Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Intestinal Microsporidia from Stray Dogs in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Microsporidia as one of the most important pathogens in veterinary and agricultural settings, have emerged in immunocompromised patients in Iran. To date, different Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes have been identified in humans and animals, supporting the possibility of zoonotic zoonosis transmission potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of E. bieneusi genotypes among overpopulated stray dogs in vicinity of Tehran, the capital city of Iran. METHODS: Totally, 75 stool and 75 urine samples were obtained from 75 stray dogs during the time period from Mar 2015 to Oct 2015. DNA extraction was performed on all the samples and specific fragment of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. was amplified. Furthermore, specific primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer region of E. bieneusi were applied to determine the genotype of the microorganism. RESULTS: Microsporidia was detected in 5.3% of stool samples, while none of the urine samples was positive for microsporidia species. Overall, 440 bp fragment of E. bieneusi was amplified in all the samples and there was no amplification for Encephalitozoon spp. The results of sequencing of 410 bp fragment of internal transcribed spacer region showed that all the E. bieneusi were genotype D. CONCLUSION: E. bieneusi was the most prevalent microsporidian species in the stray dogs and all the positive isolates were characterized as genotype D.

Detection and molecular characterization of feline hemoplasmas in wild felid species in Iran in the Middle East.

Three feline hemoplasma species exist in felids: Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. The aims of the study were to determine the presence of, and molecularly characterize, any hemoplasmas in wild felids, including the endangered Persian leopard in Iran, the Middle East. Blood samples were collected from 19 wild felids, including three Persian leopards. Using species-specific hemoplasma PCRs and ELISA serological testing for feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), two Persian leopards were found to be infected with 'Ca. M. haemominutum' and were seropositive for FIV. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequences were generated for these 'Ca. M. haemominutum' species and subsequent phylogenetic analysis revealed 97.70% to 99.45% sequence identity with those found in domestic cats from Iran and other countries. This study confirms the presence of 'Ca. M. haemominutum' and concurrent FIV antibody in wild felids in Iran. This represents the first report of hemoplasma in wild felids in the Middle East as well as the first report of infection in Persian leopards.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of feline hemoplasmas in domestic cats in Iran.

Three known feline hemoplasmas are Mycoplsama haemofelis, 'CandidatusMycoplasma haemominutum' and 'CandidatusMycoplasma turicensis'. They are described as cause of feline infectious anemia in domestic and wild felids. Other blood parasites or blood-related pathogens like concurrent retroviral infections may deteriorate the clinical condition and severity of anemia. The aims of this study were molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hemoplasmas in domestic cats in Iran for the first time. Blood samples were collected from 185 healthy and diseased domestic cats. Blood smears were prepared and hematological parameters were measured to determine possible anemia. Using 16S rRNA gene universal and species specific polymerase chain reactions with the following sequencing, 47 (25.40%) of cats were hemoplasma positive. Also, 17.02%, 72.50% and 40.40% of total positive samples were M.haemofelis, 'Ca. M. haemominutum' and 'Ca. M. turicensis' infected, respectively. 10 (21.20%) of hemoplasma positive cats had anemic blood profiles (HCT < 24.00%). All M. haemofelis infected cases were included. Partial 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis revealed a high identity between the hemoplasma species found in this study and domestic cat sequences existing in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 94.00% to 100% sequence identity between sequences of this study and existing sequences in Genbank. All hemoplasma isolates in this study were grouped within a single clade and additionally subdivided into two groups; haemofelis group including M.haemofelis and 'Ca. M. turicensis' and haemominutum group including 'Ca. M. haemominutum'.

A molecular study of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in cats in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Three feline hemoplasma species are recognized: Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. These species can cause anemia in cats and have a worldwide distribution. OBJECTIVES: There was no previous information on hemotropic mycoplasma spp in cats in Iran and the Middle East. Accordingly, we investigated the molecular presence, and clinical signs and hematological profile in cats infected with these microorganisms in Iranian cats. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and cytology were performed on 100 blood samples collected from Iranian Shorthair cats. ACBC and case history were also collected for each sample. RESULTS: By PCR, 22 (22%; 14-30%, 95% CI) samples were positive. The prevalence of M haemofelis, 'Ca M haemominutum', and 'Ca M turicensis' was 63.63% (14/22), 54.54% (12/22), and 18.18% (4/22), respectively. Some double and triple co-infections were also found. Using PCR as the reference method, cytology had poor sensitivity (27%) and reasonable specificity (89.74%). Male cats were at a higher risk of infection (P = .001). Cats older than 8 years were more frequently infected than the younger cats (P = .0018). Lower HCT (P = .018), RBC count (P = .028) and HGB concentration (P = .003) were also associated with hemoplasma PCR-positive status. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, the most prevalent feline hemoplasma species in Iranian cats was M haemofelis, but double and triple co-infections are also documented. Age and sex, as well as reduced RBC parameters, were predisposing factors for hemoplasma infection.