Serological and molecular detection of bovine leukemia virus in cattle in Iraq.
Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is highly endemic in many countries, including Iraq, and it impacts the beef and dairy industries. The current study sought to determine the percentage of BLV infection and persistent lymphocytosis (PL) in cattle in central Iraq. Hematological, serological, and molecular observations in cross breeds and local breeds of Iraqi cattle naturally infected with BLV were conducted in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 400 cattle (340 cross breed and 60 local breed) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). On the basis of the absolute number of lymphocytes, five of the 31 positive PCR cases had PL. Among these leukemic cattle, one case exhibited overt neutrophilia. Serum samples were used to detect BLV antibodies, which were observed in 28 (7%) samples. PCR detected BLV provirus in 31 samples (7.75%). All 28 of the seropositive samples and the 3 seronegative samples were positive using PCR. Associations were observed between bovine leukosis and cattle breed, age and sex. Age-specific analysis showed that the BLV percentage increased with age in both breeds. Female cattle (29 animals; 7.34%) exhibited significantly higher infectivity than male cattle (two animals; 4.34%). In conclusion, comprehensive screening for all affected animals is needed in Iraq; programs that segregate cattle can be an effective and important method to control and/or eliminate the BLV.
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Al-University of Qadisiyah, Al Diwaniyah 58002, Iraq.
Yahia Ismail
YI
Khudhair
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10001, Iraq.
Saleem Amin
SA
Hasso
Experimental Therapy Department, Iraqi Center for Cancer and Medical Genetic Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad 10001, Iraq.
Nahi Y
NY
Yaseen
Experimental Therapy Department, Iraqi Center for Cancer and Medical Genetic Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad 10001, Iraq.
Ahmed Majeed
AM
Al-Shammari
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D002417:Cattle; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D016583:Enzootic Bovine Leukosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D007493:Iraq / Q000453:epidemiology; D001909:Leukemia Virus, Bovine / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear; D008218:Lymphocytosis / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011533:Proviruses; D012737:Sex Factors
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D004279:DNA, Viral