First Serological and Molecular Detection of Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola Bacteria in Dogs in Some Iraqi Governorates

The aim of present study was to serodetect of canine leptospirosis by using of indirect ELISA, and identification of Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola in serpositive dogs by application of PCR technique. For this purpose, 218 dogs from urban and rural regions related to three governorates were submitted for blood samples collection. The total results were revealed on 37/218 (16.97%) and 5/37 (13.51%) infected positive dogs by an indirect ELISA and PCR techniques, respectively. According to subjected study’s governorates, the positive results of indirect ELISA in Baghdad, Al-Qadisiyah and Dhi-Qar were 23/108 (21.3%), 10/79 (12.66%), and 4/31 (12.9%), respectively; while by PCR assay, the positive results {5/23 (21.74%)} had been detected in Baghdad only. Also, the relationship of positive dogs with some epidemiological risk factors has been discussed in this study. In association to inhabitant type, the rural and urban regions, respectively, were having 16/82 (19.51%) and 21/136 (15.44%) positive dogs by indirect ELISA; whereas, they have 4/16 (25%) and 1/21 (4.76%) positive dogs by PCR, respectively. In regarding to sex factor, the positive infected males and females, respectively, were amounted 13/67 (19.4%) and 24/151 (15.89%) by indirect ELISA; and 2/13 (15.38%) and 3/24 (12.5%) by PCR. In relation to age factor, 2years and 2 years groups have taken 36/149 (24.16%) and 1/69 (1.45%) positive dogs by indirect ELISA and 5/36 (13.89%) positive dogs for 2years group, only, by PCR assay. Statistically, the positive results were reported significant differences at level of P≤0.05 between the study’s regions and between the groups related to each epidemiological risk factor.