Molecular Characterization and Phylogenic Analysis of Rotavirus Isolated from Cattle in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Narsullah, Othman J.; Ali, Kwestan Najm; Marif, Hardi F; Ali, Basim A.; Sulaiman, Rizgar R.; Baba Sheikh, Mohammed O.

doi:10.21608/ejvs.2025.391787.2888

Molecular Characterization and Phylogenic Analysis of Rotavirus Isolated from Cattle in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Clinic and Internal Medicine/ College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sulaimani

² Department of Clinic and Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sulaimani; Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

³ University of Human Development, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

10.21608/ejvs.2025.391787.2888

Abstract

Bovine Rotavirus (BRV) is a major pathogen associated with acute gastroenteritis in animals and humans. This disease usually affects young animals, and as the animal ages, its susceptibility decreases. In both humans and animals, Bovine rotavirus (BRV) is an important pathogen associated with acute gastroenteritis. Approximately 18% of calves with diarrhea were found to be infected with BRV, with differences in prevalence among age groups, breeds, and geographic locations. Using a sterile swab, stool samples were taken directly from the anus of the calves and sent to the laboratory via virally transmitted media. The age, sex, breed, and location of the calves were noted using questionnaire sampling. RT-PCR successfully amplified the VP7 genes of the isolates, and the resulting genes showed an amplicon size of approximately 884 bp. In addition, phylogenetic analysis revealed that field virus sequences belonged to lineage II and clustering Iran and Turkish strains, with the highest identities ranging from 97.12%, and 96.82% to 97.17%, respectively. According to the study results, 18% of newborn calves were infected with rotavirus diarrhea in cows. Improving colostrum intake, vaccinating pregnant cows, and maintaining environmental hygiene are all important steps in reducing the incidence of rotavirus-related diseases in calves.

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