Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Abstract

In most developing countries, rainwater is considered as a major source of water for drinking, washing, bathing, and cooking purposes, on the another hand, this water is the medium for transporting different types of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi to humans and animals. Most domestic and wild animals drink this kind of water-borne illnesses that leads to various types of diseases which causes huge economic losses. The current study was aimed to isolate Staphylococcus (S.) aureus from the swamps and ponds in various areas included (Qawseat, Kukagle, Besan, Al-Arabi, and Al-Shlalat) that surrounding the Mosul city during the rainfall season. A one hundred samples of rainwater were collected from swamps and ponds in various areas the Mosul city. The classical method and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique had used to identify S. aureus isolates. The present study showed that the prevalence rate of S. aureus isolated from swamps and ponds was 12% (12/100) based on the classical and PCR methods used. All the positive S. aureus isolates possess the specific-species nuc gene. In addition, the results of the classical methods are similar to the results of the PCR technique. The present study concludes that the water of swamps and ponds is formed by rainwater that has been exposed to contamination by S. aureus which posed in the ground and it is not fit for the drinking of animals and humans.