Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of Anaplasma platys from naturally infected dogs of South India

Abstract

Present study represents the first report on the molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of Anaplasma platys infecting dogs of Kerala, South India. A total of 60 blood samples were collected from the dogs that presented to the University Veterinary Hospital and Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex with clinical signs. Whole-blood samples submitted to molecular lab attached to the hospital for examination and blood smears were made from blood samples of all 60 dogs for the identification of Anaplasma platys. For each sample, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out after DNA extraction to amplify 16S rRNA gene for the detection of Ehrlichia genus, Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys. Out of 60 animals treated, 7 (11.6%) were positive with Ehrlichia genus primer, which was later confirmed as Ehrlichia canis on species-specific PCR. Of the sixty dogs, five (8.3%) were positive for Anaplasma platys species specific PCR even though direct blood smear examination and Ehrlichia genus specific PCR results were negative.