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. 2025 Feb;15(2):765-773.
doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i2.25. Epub 2025 Feb 28.

Molecular detection of coronavirus in camelids and bovines using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in Wasit Province, Iraq

Ibrahim Hasan Madhloom  1 , Rasha Munther Othman  1 , Hussein Ali Mohammed Al-Bayati  2
Affiliations

Molecular detection of coronavirus in camelids and bovines using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in Wasit Province, Iraq

Ibrahim Hasan Madhloom et al. Open Vet J. 2025 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a diverse group of RNA viruses that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in humans and animals. Over the past two decades, outbreaks of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) have affected animal populations, especially in regions with close animal-human interactions, such as the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq. Given the potential for zoonotic transmission, understanding the prevalence and spread of CoVs among livestock is essential for managing potential risks to animal and human health.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MERS-CoV in camels and BCoV in bovines within the Wasit Governorate of Iraq to assess the infection rates and potential interspecies transmission risks.

Methods: One hundred and fifty nasal swab samples (75 from camels and 75 from bovines) were collected between November 2022 and April 2023. The samples were analyzed for the presence of MERS-CoV and BCoV using real- time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) targeting the nucleocapsid (N) gene for each virus. Standard procedures for RNA extraction were followed, and qRT-PCR assays were conducted using specific primers to ensure high sensitivity and specificity.

Results: MERS-CoV was present in (42%) of the camel samples, whereas BCoV was detected in (34%) of the bovine samples. Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) in infection rates between camels and bovines, with a higher prevalence observed in camels. The clinical signs observed in infected camels included fever, nasal discharge, and appetite loss, whereas infected bovines exhibited symptoms such as diarrhea and respiratory distress.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of MERS-CoV and BCoV in camels and bovines in the Wasit region indicates a substantial risk for the continued spread of these viruses within animal populations. These findings underscore the importance of surveillance and biosecurity measures to control the spread of coronavirus among livestock, potentially reducing zoonotic transmission risks. Further research is required to understand the transmission dynamics of CoVs in mixed livestock farming systems.

Keywords: BCoV; Coronaviruses; MERS-CoV; RNA viruses; qRT-PCR; zoonotic transmission.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors affirm that there are no conflicts of interest, whether financial, personal, or related to any other relationships, that may affect the integrity of the research presented in this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. The study examines the distribution of animals based on infection by BCoVs and MERS-CoVs.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Amplification plot curves in bovine indicate a correlation between the fluorescence of the Fluorescein Amidite (FAM) channel and cycle number. The threshold, positive, and negative samples were tested using the RT- qPCR device. The threshold based on a positive sample ranged from 28 to 31 cycles.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. The amplification plot curves in camles indicate a correlation between the fluorescence of the FAM channel and the cycle number. The threshold, positive, and negative samples were tested using an RT-qPCR device. The threshold based on a positive sample ranged from 27 to 31 cycles.
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