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Molecular Detection of Anaplasma spp. in Horses From Golestan Province, Northern Iran.
Abstract: Anaplasmosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease that affects both humans and many animals. In horses, anaplasmosis manifests as a seasonal, infectious, and febrile disease caused by bacteria of the genus Anaplasma. Since the transmission of this disease is primarily mediated by arthropods such as ticks, it holds significant public health importance. Objective: The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of anaplasmosis in horses in northern Iran (Golestan Province). Methods: A total of 350 blood samples were randomly collected from asymptomatic horses between December 2023 and April 2024. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood, and conventional PCR targeting a partial fragment of the 16S rRNA gene was performed for the detection of Anaplasma spp. Results: The prevalence of infection was 15.7% (95% CI: 12.2%-19.8%). Significant variation was observed between geographic regions, with the highest prevalence in Aq Qala (24.3%) and the lowest in Gorgan (7.9%). Age and sex showed no significant effect on infection rates. Conclusions: Due to the loss and degradation of DNA samples, sequencing of PCR-positive samples was not performed, and identification was carried out at the genus level. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the detection of Anaplasma spp. DNA in horse blood samples from Golestan Province, northern Iran, and highlight the need for further studies on vector identification, species-level characterization, and the clinical significance of these molecular findings. This study provides baseline molecular epidemiological data on Anaplasma spp. in horses in Iran, contributing to future surveillance and control programs.
© 2026 The Author(s). Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Publication Date: 2026-08-06 PubMed ID: 42559930PubMed Central: PMC13445781DOI: 10.1002/vms3.71124Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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Overview
- This study investigated the presence of Anaplasma bacteria in horses from Golestan Province in northern Iran using molecular techniques.
- It found that about 16% of the tested horses carried Anaplasma DNA, indicating exposure to this disease, which is transmitted by ticks and can affect both animals and humans.
Background
- Anaplasmosis: A bacterial disease caused by Anaplasma species, which infects various animals and can be transmitted to humans (zoonotic).
- Transmission: Mainly spread via arthropod vectors like ticks, making it important for public health surveillance.
- Impact in Horses: Causes seasonal fever and infection, but horses can be asymptomatic carriers.
- Study Rationale: Despite its significance, limited molecular data existed on Anaplasma infection levels in horses from the Golestan Province of Iran prior to this study.
Objectives
- To determine the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. DNA in horses from different parts of Golestan Province.
- To assess variations in infection rates by geographical region, age, and sex of the horses.
- To provide baseline molecular epidemiological data that supports future research and control measures.
Methods
- Sample Collection: 350 blood samples were randomly collected from apparently healthy (asymptomatic) horses between December 2023 and April 2024.
- DNA Extraction and Detection: Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood samples.
- PCR Analysis: Conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique targeting a partial fragment of the 16S rRNA gene was used to detect the presence of Anaplasma species DNA.
- Geographic Distribution: Samples were collected from various locations within Golestan Province, including Aq Qala and Gorgan.
Results
- Prevalence: 15.7% of horses tested positive for Anaplasma spp. DNA (with a 95% confidence interval of 12.2% to 19.8%).
- Geographic Variation: There was a significant difference in infection rates across regions:
- Aq Qala had the highest prevalence at 24.3%.
- Gorgan had the lowest prevalence at 7.9%.
- Host Factors: No significant differences in infection rates were observed based on the age or sex of the horses.
- Sequencing: Due to DNA degradation, sequencing of positive PCR samples was not performed, so identification remained at the genus level rather than species-level.
Conclusions and Implications
- This study provides the first molecular evidence of Anaplasma spp. in horses from Golestan Province, suggesting that horses could serve as reservoirs or indicators of the disease presence in the area.
- Findings emphasize the need for:
- Further research to identify which Anaplasma species are circulating in this population.
- Studies to identify the arthropod vectors, particularly tick species involved in transmission in this region.
- Clinical investigations to understand the impact of these infections on horse health.
- Contribution to surveillance and control programs for anaplasmosis in Iran, especially given the zoonotic risk posed by these pathogens.
Cite This Article
APA
Rad AM, Rahimi H, Changizi E, Staji H.
(2026).
Molecular Detection of Anaplasma spp. in Horses From Golestan Province, Northern Iran.
Vet Med Sci, 12(5), e71124.
https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.71124 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Iran / epidemiology
- Anaplasma / isolation & purification
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horses
- Anaplasmosis / epidemiology
- Anaplasmosis / microbiology
- Prevalence
- Male
- Female
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / analysis
- Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
- DNA, Bacterial / analysis
Grant Funding
- Semnan University
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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