7 September، 2025

A Master’s thesis presented by Marwa Youssef Ahmed Abbas, titled: “Isolation and Genetic Characterization of Canine Enteric Coronaviruses”

A Master’s thesis defense was held in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology, entitled:

“Isolation and Genetic Characterization of Canine Enteric Coronaviruses”

by the student Marwa Youssef Ahmed Abbas, under the supervision of Prof. Safwan Youssef Mahmoud, on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

 

The examination committee consisted of the following members:

  1. Prof. Ammar Mahmoud Ahmed (College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Mosul) – Chairman
  2. Assoc. Prof. Mohammed Shukri Shukur (College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Duhok) – Member
  3. Assoc. Prof. Salam Abdul Ismail (College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Mosul) – Member
  4. Prof. Safwan Youssef Mahmoud (College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Mosul) – Member and Supervisor

 

Study Aim and Methods

This study aimed to isolate and diagnose canine enteric coronavirus in dogs in Nineveh Province, Iraq, determine its genetic types, and assess its prevalence. A rapid immunochromatographic test was used to detect canine coronavirus, along with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to differentiate between genetic variants.

Five novel local isolates were recorded for the first time in GenBank under the accession numbers:

PV454546.1, PV454547.1, PV454548.1, PV454549.1, and PV454550.1.

Confirmed isolates were cultured on canine kidney cells, where cytopathic effects were observed and viral titration was evaluated.

 

Significance of the Study

This is the first study of its kind in Nineveh that highlights the dominant genotype and the diversity of local strains compared with global isolates.

After the candidate defended her thesis with scientific rigor and confidence, and following the committee’s discussion, the thesis was approved.

Congratulations to the researcher, the supervisor, the College, and the Department of Microbiology on this scientific achievement. Best wishes to the defense committee.

This defense contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

 

#University_of_Mosul

#College_of_Veterinary_Medicine

#Department_of_Microbiology

 

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