•  
  •  
 

Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal

Corresponding Author

Taghrid Hamza

Document Type

Original Article

Keywords

Shiraz tom cats, Individual genomic loci, Disease incidence, MHC gene.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to consider the genetic alterations in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene and its effect on Gastroenteritis tolerance/susceptibility in Shiraz cats.

METHODS: Blood samples were collected into tubes containing EDTA as anticoagulant from twenty Shiraz Tom cats (10 healthy and 10 suffering from gastroenteritis) to extract DNA. Then, PCR was performed to amplify a 500-bp fragment of the MHC gene.

RESULT: Genetic analysis via PCR-DNA sequencing identified specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the MHC gene, namely A115C, G399T, and A363G. The A363G variant was linked to increased disease risk (OR=13.44), while A115C/G399T showed a potential protective trend (OR=0.18). These results suggest that MHC diversity plays a crucial role in feline immune surveillance.

CONCLUSION: The A363G SNP is a potential molecular marker for gastroenteritis susceptibility, whereas A115C/G399T may confer genetic resistance. Further large-scale studies are recommended to validate these findings.

Receive Date

07 Feb 2026

Accept Date

02 May 2026

Publication Date

2026

Share

COinS