Pathogenic bacteria associated with cutaneous canine myiasis due to Cordylobia anthropophaga

Abstract

Aim: The study was designed to evaluate the common pathogenic bacteria associated with cutaneous canine myiasis caused by Cordylobia anthropophaga, and their prevalence in relation to breed, sex and age of the infested dogs. Materials and Methods: A total of one hundred and thirty three (133) myiasis wound swabs and Cordylobia anthropophaga larvae were collected from infested dogs and analyzed for pathogenic bacteria using microscopic, cultural and biochemical methods. Results: The most commonly encountered bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus 75 (56.4%), Streptococcus spp. 16 (12%) and Escherichia coli 7 (5.3%). Other organisms isolated include, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacteria species, while mixed infection of S. aureus and Streptococcus spp were also observed. The rate of infection was found to be highest among the age groups 1–20 weeks and least in the 91 – 100 (week) age groups. The breed of dogs mostly infected with these bacteria was the local breed (Mongrel) while the German shepherd /Alsatian breeds were the least infected and with 58.6% (78) and 4.5% (6) percentage respectively. Male dogs showed more propensities to bacterial infection of all the types isolated and accounted for 60.9% (81) in contrast to the female dogs with 39.11% (52) infection rate. Pure bacteria isolates were frequently encountered 94.7% (126), while mixed infection accounted for just 5.3% (7). Conclusion: Our results indicates that several pathogenic and zoonotic bacteria are associated with C. antropophaga myiasis in dogs, and should serve as concern for pet owners and veterinarians.