Background and objectives: Anaplasma species are intracellular gram-negative tick-borne bacteria parasitizing host blood cells. Several species including A. marginale, A. bovis, A. centrale, A. phagocytophilum-complex and A. platys-complex infect bovines. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Anaplasma species in cattle of Hamedan city in west of Iran. Methodology: During the winter of 2022, blood samples were collected from 70 apparently healthy Holstein (n=19), native (n =11) and cross-breeds cattle (n =40) of both males (n =43) and females (n =27). Genomic DNA was extracted and examined for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia species. Positive samples were further tested with species-specific primers targeting above mentioned Anaplasma species by conventional PCR method. Results: Screening PCR revealed infection of 17 cattle (24.3%) with Anaplasma/Ehrlichia species. Subsequent species-specific PCRs showed DNA of A. centrale in 3 (4.29), A. marginale in 1 (1.43%), A. bovis in 1 (1.43%), and A. platys-complex in 1 (1.43%) cattle. Mixed infection with A. centrale + A. marginale and A. centrale + A. platys-complex was detected in two samples. DNA of A. phagocytophilum and related strains (A. phagocytophilum-like 1 and A. phagocytophilum-like 2) was not detected. Discussion and Conclusion: This preliminary study indicated circulation of 4 Anaplasma species in cattle population in the region. Considering economic impact of subclinical infections and vertical transmission of some Anaplasma species regular examination of cattle and successful chemoprophylaxis are advocated. Keywords: anaplasmosis, PCR, ruminant
