Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Bovicola caprae in the west and northwest of Iran based on cytochrome oxidase 1 marker

Lice are permanent, obligate ectoparasites for birds and mammals. Bovicola caprae causes hypersensitivity, irritation, dermatitis, anemia, lower weight gain, and lower productivity in goats. This study was conducted to investigate B. caprae by molecular methods based on the mitochondrial genome in the West and Northwest of Iran. A total of 1017 samples of chewing lice collected from ten cities in five provinces were identified using diagnostic keys. After DNA extraction and PCR, samples were sent for sequencing. Morphological results were consistent with molecular examinations. Nucleotide sequencing of samples isolated from different cities based on mitochondrial genome showed 100% intraspecific similarity. The sequences of B. caprae isolated in this study appeared in a branch next to the Canadian and Chinese samples in the phylogenetic tree with more than 90% similarity. The results of mitochondrial gene analysis in the present research showed that this fragment is useful for showing intraspecific similarity and species and genus differentiation of B. caprae.