Vol. 10, Issue 4, Part D (2025)

Author(s): Jihad Talib Obead, Nada Abdulhussein Alkafaji, Bariq Abd Alameer Mohammed and Ihsan Mohammed Sulbi

Abstract: Entamoeba a parasitic protozoan species infects a variety of mammals, including dogs. This study's goal is to use microscopic and genetic (PCR) analysis to ascertain the prevalence of Entamoeba species in dogs and the impact of age, sex, and month on disease incidence. The results of present study. In the current investigation, Entamoeba spp. were found and identified in domestic dogs in the Iraqi province of Karbala using conventional methods. This was verified by molecular diagnostics using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique with primer 18s (900bp). This study was carried out between early January and June of 2024. 150 samples of dog feces were collected from adults and puppies of both sexes. The results of microscopic examination of the morphological appearance and of cyst showed Entamoeba spp by using iodine stain, the cyst has four nuclei and appears round to oval in form, encircled by a thin membrane. When using conventional techniques, the overall infection rate of Entamoeba spp. in dogs was recorded at 42% (63/150). Young dogs had a higher infection rate of 48% (36/75) than adult dogs, who had a rate of 36% (27/75). The sex-specific infection rate was higher in females than in males, at 44% (33/75) and 40% (30/75), respectively. Infection rates varied throughout the study period, with the lowest incidence of 28% (6/25) in February and the highest rate of 60% (15/25) in April. PCR overall infection rates in dogs in DNA samples, which were randomly selected from 150 dog fecal samples in Karbala city, revealed 52% (52/100). In conclusion despite the conventional use of microscopic analysis for diagnosing Entamoeba species, there is may be of misdiagnosis, and molecular diagnostics is considered an accurate method, with young dogs and females more affected.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i4d.2206