Molecular Detection of Zoonotic Pathogens in the Blood and Tissuesof Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Central Desert ofIran

摘要

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) play a major economicrole in many countries in Africa and Asia. Although they are resistant to harshenvironmental conditions, they are susceptible to a wide range of zoonoticagents. This study aimed to provide an overview on the prevalence of selectedzoonotic pathogens in blood and tissues of camels in central Iran. Blood, liver,portal lymph node, and brain were collected from 100 apparently healthy camelsat a slaughterhouse in Qom city to assess the presence of DNA ofBrucella spp., Trypanosoma spp.,Coxiellaburnetii, and Bartonella spp. PCR productswere sequenced bidirectionally and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Elevenpercent of camels tested positive for Brucellaabortus (3%) and Trypanosomaevansi (8%). Coxiellaburnetii and Bartonella spp. DNA was notdetected. Our data demonstrate that camels from Iran contribute to theepidemiology of some zoonotic pathogens. Performing proper control strategies,such as vaccination of camels and humans in contact with them,test-and-slaughter policy, and education of the general population is necessaryfor minimizing the risk of zoonotic infection.