This study is carried out to investigate the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) infections in cattle using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting IS1111A transposase gene. A total of 130 lactating cows were randomly selected from different areas in Wasit province, Iraq and subjected to blood and milk sampling during the period extended between November 2018 and May 2019. ELISA and PCR tests revealed that 16.15% and 10% of the animals studied were respectively positive. Significant correlations (P<0.05) were detected between the positive results and clinical data. Two positive PCR products were analyzed phylogenetically, named as C. burnetii IQ-No.5 and C. burnetii IQ-No.6; and then recorded in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under an accession numbers of MN473204.1 and MN473205.1. Comparative identity of the local strains with NCBI-BLAST strains/isolates revealed 97% similarity and 0.1-0.6% of total genetic mutations/changes. NCBI-BLAST Homology Sequence reported high significant identity (P<0.05) between the local, C. burnetii IQ-No.5 and C. burnetii IQ-No.6; strains and C. burnetii 3345937 (CP014354.1) Netherlands isolate at 99.10% and 99.06%, respectively. The current study concluded that the percentage of infected cows with coxiellosis is relatively high, and Coxiella should be listed as abortive pathogen. Therefore, additional studies should be performed including different animals, samples, and regions.
The aim: Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) caused by blood transfusion is a big problem throughout the world. The aim of study is to determine the faster and more accurate methods for detection of hepatitis B infections by serological screening and PCR- amplification. Materials and methods: A total of 140528 donors were tested for HBsAg and total anti-HBc from January to October 2021 in Iraq’s National Blood Transfusion Center; however, only 100 samples with HBsAg (-) and anti-HBc (+) were collected and tested for HBV DNA using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: From 2015 to 2021, the percentage of HBsAg positive donors was 0.33 percent in 2015, 0.32 percent in 2016, 0.30 percent in 2017, 0.28 percent in 2018, 0.23 pe
... Show MoreAlthough G6PD deficiency is the most common genetically determined blood disorder among Iraqis, its molecular basis has only recently been studied among the Kurds in North Iraq, while studies focusing on Arabs in other parts of Iraq are still absent.
A total of 1810 apparently healthy adult male blood donors were randomly recruited from the national blood transfusion center in Baghdad. They were classified into G6PD deficient and non-deficient individuals based on the results of methemoglobin reduction test (MHRT), with confirmation of deficiency by subsequent enzyme assays. DNA from defi
Toxoplasma gondii has a worldwide distribution and it is one of the most prevalent infectious agents in Iraq. The study was conducted on 200 serum samples of unmarried female university of students age ranged between 18 to 26 years to detect Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. The aim of this study was to detect T. gondii antibodies among unmarried female students in Iraqi universities using different serological tests. Seventy six (38%) serum samples out of 200 subjects were positive for toxoplasma antibodies by Latex agglutination test (LAT). Among 76 LAT sera positive ,only 58 (29%) serum samples were positive with toxoplasma IgG ELISA test , however , the results of IgM ELISA assay were positive only for 3 (1.5%) unmarried
... Show MoreTechnological advances have yielded new molecular biology-based methods for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. The newest and most powerful molecular diagnostic tests are available at regional and national reference laboratories, as well as at specialized centers that are certified to conduct metagenomic testing. Metagenomic assays utilize advances in DNA extraction technology, DNA sequence library construction, high throughput DNA sequencing and automated data analysis to identify millions of individual strands of DNA extracted from clinical samples. At present, metagenomic assays are only possible at a small number of special research, academic and commercial laboratories. Continued research in human and path
... Show MoreReishi Mushroom, Ganoderma, is considered one of important wood-decaying medicinal mushrooms. This study aimed to identify three samples of this genus in Mosul city in February and April 2019. Three species of Ganoderma were collected from three various trees including Eucalyptus, Morus, and Olea (olive) in Mosul City, Northern Iraq. Their identifications and their DNA sequences were genetically identified by using PCR techniques according to detect nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Results exhibited the finding of Ganoderma resinaceum, Ganoderma applanatum, and Ganoderma sp. This study is first attempt to identify Reishi Mushroom by molecular methods in Iraq. Thus, the current study is considered new good d
... Show MoreMastitis is an udder tissue inflammation which has infected various species of animals. It happens through several types of pathogenic bacteria, particularly Streptococcus agalactiae. GBS is a leading cause of cow mastitis. In our sample, 9.52% of Streptococcus agalactiae were isolated which were collected from bovine mastic milk and identified by biochemical tests such as catalase, oxidase, Production of indole, fermentation of sugar, an examination of antibiotic sensitivity, CAMP test and group kits of Lancefield. The results showed that all Streptococcus agalactiae isolate was diagnosed by CAMP test by the appearance of the arrowhead in blood agar and by the appearance of visible agglutination on a card in the serological grouping kit of
... Show MoreFive serological methods for detection of Brucella were compaired in this study, Four of the methods are commonely used in the detections:- 1-Rose-Bengal: as primary screening test which depends on detecting antibodies in the blood serum. 2-IFAT: which detects IgG and IgM antibodies in the serum. 3-ELISA test: which detects IgG antibodies in the serum. 4-2ME test: which detects IgG antibodies The fifth methods. It was developed by a reasercher in one of the health centers in Baghdad. It was given the name of spot Immune Assay (SIA). Results declares that among (100) samples of patients blood, 76, 49, 49, 37, and 28. samples were positive to Rose Bengal, ELISA, SIA, 2ME and IFAT tests, respectively. When efficiency, sensitivity and specific
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