Molecular Detection of Leptospira Infection in the Iranian Dromedary Camel Population of South Kerman, Iran

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Section of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

2 Section of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

10.32598/ijvm.20.2.1005668

Abstract

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with global distribution. A wide variety of mammals, including camels, are affected by this disease. The most important complications of this disease comprise a severe drop in production, abortion, and kidney damage. The climatic conditions of southern Kerman Province in Iran, combined with the significant presence of camels, underscore the need for evaluating Leptospirosis in camels in this region. 
Objectives: This study aimed to detect the presence of Leptospira bacteria in the camel population of South Kerman Province, Iran, using molecular methods. 
Methods: For this purpose, 100 blood samples were taken from the jugular veins of seemingly healthy camels in the south of Kerman to perform molecular techniques. Then, the DNA from the samples was extracted using a DNA extraction kit, following the manufacturer’s instructions. In the following, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), technique using specific primers targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Leptospira interrogans was employed to detect Leptospira bacteria.
Results: The DNA of the Leptospira bacterium was found in 5 out of 100 camel blood samples (5%) using the PCR molecular technique.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the Leptospira bacterium is present in the apparently healthy camel population in southern Kerman. Considering the ever-increasing use of camel meat and dairy products in humans, as well as the resulting economic losses in the country’s livestock industry, this finding can serve as a warning to the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran. 

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Volume 20, Issue 2
March and April 2026
Pages 389-394

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