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Journals / Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences / 2026 / Volume: 27 Issue: 2

Molecular and sequencing study of Otodectes cynotis in cats in Karbala province/Iraq

Firas Alali(University of Kerbala, College of Veterinary Medicine/Department of Veterinary microbiology and Parasitology)0000-0002-3438-6453
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-10-15
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

These findings should be considered in cat populations to avoid a potential epidemic of mite-borne zoonotic illnesses.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Background: Otodectes cynotis (Acari: Psoroptidae) is an obligate ectoparasite that primarily causes otodectic mange in both domestic and wild animals.
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Key Findings & Data:Methods: For this purpose, 187 cats visiting the Teaching Animal Hospital at the University of Kerbala’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Karbala, Iraq were monitored for mites.
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Conclusion & Impact:These findings should be considered in cat populations to avoid a potential epidemic of mite-borne zoonotic illnesses.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Cat · ear mite · ITS-1

Abstract

Background: Otodectes cynotis (Acari: Psoroptidae) is an obligate ectoparasite that primarily causes otodectic mange in both domestic and wild animals. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of the obligate ectoparasite O. cynotis (Acari: Psoroptidae) mites and the molecular sequences of isolates in Karbala province/Iraq. Methods: For this purpose, 187 cats visiting the Teaching Animal Hospital at the University of Kerbala’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Karbala, Iraq were monitored for mites. The diagnosis was based on otoscopic examination of both ears, followed by microscopic confirmation based on ear swab samples. The prevalence was 46%. No significant relationship was found between infestation status and season, sex, body weight, age, or breed of the cats. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was performed to identify the species and evaluate the possible effects on domestic, isolated populations. PCR was performed for 10 isolates originating from three different breeds (Sherazi, Himalayan, and Scottish). The first internal transcribed spacer of rDNA was selected as the target sequence. Results: Comparisons of sequences revealed two different newly sequenced Iraqi isolates, under accession numbers PV123832 and PV564189, which were closely related genotypes at the same node as the dog no. O. cynotis isolate. KP. 676677.1, although the closest genotyping was with one clade no. HK 728005.1. Conclusion: Our findings clarified the genetic relationship, origins, and potential effects on endemic domestic cat populations, which do not distinguish between different host species or regions of origin. These findings should be considered in cat populations to avoid a potential epidemic of mite-borne zoonotic illnesses.

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Cite This Article

Alali, F. (2026). Molecular and sequencing study of Otodectes cynotis in cats in Karbala province/Iraq. Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences, Volume: 27 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.23902/trkjnat.2025918

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