Molecular Investigation of Bartonella sp. in Dogs from Hamedan, Iran

Background and Objectives: Bartonella species are important bacterial pathogens in veterinary and human medicine. Currently, the genus Bartonella includes over 30 species that are mainly transmitted by an arthropod vector or alternatively by animal scratches or bites. While B. henselae, the causative agent of cat scratch disease is the most known species, some other species such as B. clarridgeiae, B. koehlerae, B. vinsonii and B. rochalimae have been recognized to have a role in zoonotic infections. The objective of the current study was to investigate the infection of dog with Bartonella species in Hamedan, western Iran. Materials and Methods: Between October and December 2018, 100 blood samples were collected from dogs in Hamedan city and its outskirts. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood, and conventional PCR was carried out using specific primer targeting a fragment of RNA polymerase beta-subunit (rpoB) gene. Results: Gel electrophoresis showed bands within range of positive control (820 bp) in ten dogs (10%). A correlation was found between infection and age of dogs. All were adults over twelve month age. conclusion: This preliminary result suggests that Bartonella is present in dog’s blood in Hamedan Province, western Iran. Nucleotides sequencing of positive samples will shed light on the species involved in infection of dogs.