Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of Entamoeba histolytica in cattle in Al-Diwaniyah governorate, Iraq

This study is carried out to evaluate the occurrence of Entamoeba histolytica in cattle in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate Iraq. Fifty fecal samples were collected from cattle in different regions of the province. Microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to examine the samples. Four-PCR-product-dependent gene-sequencing was conducted, besides the microscopy, targeting the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene of the parasite. The outcomes of the microscopy demonstrated the presence of the parasitic cyst and trophozoite in 66%, (33/50) of the fecal samples of the examined cattle. The results of the PCR showed that the genus level of Entamoeba was positive in 72%, (36/50) of the fecal samples. The sequencing reported the existence of four closely similar isolates to isolates registered in fecal samples of cattle in Baghdad City, Iraq. The study concludes that Entamoeba histolytica is currently present in the cattle tested in the current governorate and the zoonotic disease could strongly be induced in people with contact with the animals testing positive