Detection of Trypanosoma spp. in Dogs Using Different Laboratory Techniques in Mosul City, Iraq

Canine trypanosomiasis is caused by a parasite of the genus trypanosome. It can be transmitted to different animals such as ruminants, horses, cats, in addition to human. Dogs play a crucial role in transmission of trypanosome, as they are the primary domestic animals that contribute to the parasite's transmission and maintenance cycles. Thus, the aim of this research was to estimate the prevalence of trypanosomiasis in dogs in Mosul city, Iraq using routine laboratory techniques and molecular approaches. The results of study showed that a total prevalence rates of Trypanosome spp. in 85 dogs were 18.8%, 24.7%, 38.8%,7.05% using blood staining smear, microhaematocrit centrifugation technique(MHCT) and conventional PCR technique (ITS-1 gene and RoTat 1.2 VSG gene) respectively. A significant differences in the  prevalence rate between males (18%) and females (20% ) at P≤0.05, based on blood staining smear. While,  no significant differences in the  prevalence rate between males(24%, 36%, 16.6%) and females (25.7%, 42.8%, 20% ) at(P≤0.05), based on MHCT, conventional PCR (ITS-1gene and RoTat 1.2 VSG gene) respectively. The results finding indicated presence of significant differences among different ages of dogs using microscopical and conventional PCR (P≤0.05),A dogs from four to five years old have the highest prevalence rate(68.7%) when compared with others, and Trypanosoma evansi was determined in old dogs(3-5 years) only. results revealed that a perfect agreement between blood staining smear method and MHCT, and substantial agreement between blood staining smear method and conventional PCR and moderate agreement between MHCT and conventional PCR. In conclusion the prevalence of trypanosome infection in dogs(stray and housed) is very high in Mosul city, Iraq.