CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR DETECTION OF OTODECTES CYNOTIS IN DOGS IN BABYLON PROVINCE, IRAQ

Document Type : Research article

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Department of Internal and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, AL-Qasim Green University, Babylon 51013, Iraq

Abstract

Otodectes cynotis in dogs is a common ear mite that causes otodectic mange, living in the ear canal and feeding on skin debris. Between October 2023 and April 2024, a comprehensive study was conducted to assess the prevalence of ear mite infestations in dogs in Babylon, Iraq. A total of 90 dogs exhibiting ear-related issues were selected from various sources, including the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Babylon, veterinary clinics, and the stray dog population. A thorough clinical examination was conducted for each dog to document all signs of ear infestation and to facilitate diagnostic testing. Ear swab samples were collected and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of ear mites. Out of the 90 dogs tested, 22 were found to be positive for ear mites, resulting in an overall infection rate of 24.44%. The infection rates among male and female dogs were closely matched, with 22.72% (10/44) of males and 26.08% (12/46) of females, indicating no significant gender-based differences. Regarding age susceptibility, dogs younger than one year showed a higher susceptibility with an infection rate of 40% (14/35). The infestation rate for dogs aged between one and two years was 20% (6/30). Dogs older than two years had a significantly lower infestation rate of 8% (2/25), highlighting a notable age-related difference in susceptibility. Dogs living in groups are more susceptible to infestations (25.71%) compared to solitary domestic pets or strays 20% (4/20). The clinical signs associated with these infestations include erythema 81.81% (18/22), head shaking 9.09% (2/22), ulceration 4.55% (1/22), ear discharge (waxy, crusty) 77.27% (17/22), pain 45.45% (10/22), swelling 50% (11/22), bad odor 68.18% (15/22), and ear pruritus 90.9% (20/22), respectively. The gene sequences were sequenced and submitted to the NCBI database, receiving the accession numbers PP646977.1 and PP646978.1. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the aforementioned database tools to determine the homology with other recorded strains.

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