Dogs In Nigeria Research Articles

Epidemiological Dynamics of Canine Morbillivirus in Resident Dogs of Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Canine distemper is an endemic viral disease of dogs in Nigeria. Knowledge of the carrier status of dogs is key to successful control of the disease. In this study, the carrier status of apparently healthy dogs’ resident in parts of Makurdi metropolis was determined using the immunochromatographic rapid antigen assay kit for qualitative detection of canine morbillivirus antigens in ante-mortem samples. Ocular-, nasal-, and rectal- swabs, as well as serum were taken from each of 204 dogs bringing a total of 816 samples. The results showed that 26.96 % of the dogs sampled were positive for Canine morbillivirus antigens. Viral antigens were detected in 9.8%, 11.27%, and 4.41% of nasal, ocular, and rectal swaps respectively, and in 6.37% of the serum samples collected. An age-related susceptibility was observed as viral antigens detection rate was higher in younger dogs compared to older ones. Similarly, 40.43% of vaccinated and 22.93% of unvaccinated dogs were positive for canine morbillivirus antigens. Of significant importance is the prevalence rate in unvaccinated population of dogs. In terms of breed-related detection rate, 23.93% of Nigerian local dogs and 40.63% of exotic breeds tested positive for viral antigens, and it was observed that 25.54% of dogs which had history of contact with other dogs and 40% of dogs which had no such history carried canine morbillivirus antigens. The significance of this study is that it details the current epidemiological dynamics of canine morbillivirus in resident dogs of Makurdi metropolitan area, and the findings are discussed. Subject Areas: Animal infectious disease epidemiology.

Microbiome of two adult tick species and their laboratory-reared offspring shows intra- and inter-species differences

Tick-borne pathogens are a significant threat to human and animal health. Exposing the microbial composition of ticks elucidates their potential role in transmitting pathogens and causing disease as well as uncovering their potential interaction with the hosting tick. Our study focused on characterizing the tick microbiome of adult females and their lab-reared larval offspring of two prevalent tick species found on dogs in Nigeria [Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. tropical lineage (R. linnaei) and Haemaphysalis leachi]. We investigated the relative phyla abundance, the alpha and beta diversities of microbial communities comparing tick species, and different development stages (adults versus larvae). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first analysis on H. leachi microbiome described from West Africa. Our findings revealed a diverse microbiome with significant differences across species and their developmental stages, highlighting the dominance of the Proteobacteria phylum, followed by Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota. In contrast to H. leachi, for R. linnaei we observed significant differences in the alpha and beta diversities of the microbiome of larvae and adult females. Predominant bacterial genera were identified in R. linnaei, particularly Arsenophonus and Coxiella, which showed increased abundance in adult ticks. In H. leachi, other predominant genera were detected, including Sphingomonas, Comamonas, and Williamsia. Our results contribute to the understanding of microbiome dynamics within ticks and offers insights of tick physiology for addressing public health concerns and developing effective strategies for pathogen control.

Evidence Of Trichophyton Tonsurans-Like Dermatophyte Isolated From Skin Lesions In A 2½-Year-Old Nigerian Indigenous Male Dog: A Case Report

This paper reports indications pointing to a rare case of the isolation of Trichophyton tonsuranslike Dermatophyte, which is anthropophilic, from skin lesions in a dog. Trichophyton tonsurans. Skin scrapings and hair pullouts were collected and processed for mycology. The susceptibility of the isolates to commonly used antifungal agents was tested. Direct microscopic examination of samples digested in 20 % KOH revealed hyaline septate filaments in skin scales and chains of endothrix spores in hair. Colonies on sabourauds dextrose agar were white, flat and velvety with a reddish-yellow pigmentation on the reverse side. Microscopic examination of the isolates stained with lactophenol cotton blue showed numerous inflated microconidia with abundant chlamydoconidia, typical of T. tonsurans. The isolate was sensitive to caspofungin and posaconazole but resistant to fluconazole, nystatin, amphotericin B and griseofulvin. Trichophyton tonsurans is not a common pathogen of animals. This report provides evidence of the isolation of T. tonsurans-like Dermatophyte from skin lesions of a dogs in Nigeria.

Prevalence of hip dysplasia in Boerboel dogs in Nigeria: A retrospective study of radiographic screening between 2016 and 2022

Canine hip dysplasia is a complex developmental disease of coxo-femoral joints accounting for 30% of canine orthopaedic cases. Radiological examinations of coxofemoral joints are done to determine the genetic carriers for canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and remove such dogs from breeding. There is scanty record on prevalence of CHD in Boerboel dogs. We reviewed the anterioposterior and flexed lateral hip radiographs of apparently normal Boerboel dogs presented for hip certification between 2016 and 2022 to determine CHD prevalence in the breed. Radiographs were graded using modified Federation Cynologique International grading system. CHD prevalence was expressed as percentages, while age and sex difference in prevalence of CHD were compared using chi-square test. Relative percentages were calculated for CHD grades C, D, and E. Differences were considered significant at p ? 0.05. Median age for the dogs was 2 years with age ranging between 1 and 6 years. 27 (42.2%) were non dysplastic, while 37(57.8%) were dysplastic. Dogs with grade A accounted mostly for the non-dysplastic dogs, while dogs with grade C accounted mostly for dysplastic dogs. HD Prevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in female than male, however, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in CHD prevalence between dogs (1 – 2 years of age) and dogs (3 – 6 years of age). Dogs with grade C have the highest relative percentage among the dysplastic grades. It was concluded that CHD prevalence in Boerboel dogs is high and dogs with grade C accounted for most of the CHD cases.

Molecular identification of trypanosoma species infecting dogs in nigeria by analysis of partial internal transcribed spacer-1 of RRNA gene

Trypanosomosis is becoming a major health challenge to dogs in the sub-Sahara Africa including Nigeria, but minimal reports are available on the molecular characteristic of trypanosomes infecting dogs in Nigeria. We characterized trypanosomes detected in naturally infected dogs by PCR and sequences analysis of the partial region of the trypanosomes internal transcribed spacer-1of ribosomal RNA (ITS1 rRNA). Animals presented to the University of Nigeria Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UNVTH) in Nsukka, Nigeria for examination and treatment were sampled for laboratory tests. DNA was extracted from 21 blood samples obtained from dogs that were confirmed positive for trypanosome infection by microscopy. ITS-1 was PCR amplified and sequenced bi-directionally. Sixteen samples have good bands, though one of them had unreadable sequence. Analyses of the sequence data by BLAST search on NCBI identified T. congolense, T. brucei gambiense, and T. evansi in 4.8, 4.8, and 91.4%, respectively, from the analysed samples from the infected dogs. Although the top BLAST hits for T. brucei group were due to T. evansi and T. b. gambiense, there is not enough discriminatory power in ITS-1 to distinguish subspecies. The aligned sequences of the trypanozoon were less polymorphic. Phylogenetic trees inferred by unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) algorithms separated trypanozoon group from the T. congolense into two distinct clades. In conclusion, this study suggests that the trypanozoon group of trypanosomes cause more canine trypanosomosis in the study area and suggests inclusion of dogs in strategic planning for control and eradication of trypanosomosis in sub-Sahara African countries.

Review of Emerging and Re-Emerging Zoonotic Pathogens of Dogs in Nigeria: Missing Link in One Health Approach

Dogs live in close contact with humans as pets, for hunting, for security, and as a source of income. In addition, the meat is also consumed by some tribes in Nigeria. Dogs could therefore serve as reservoirs, carriers, and transmitters of zoonotic diseases. This review evaluates the literature from 2000 to 2020 for the prevalence and incidence of zoonotic pathogens associated with dogs in Nigeria. The results obtained show that overall, parasites constituted a majority (64%) of the zoonotic pathogens (or species) identified in dog hosts. A good number of studies have examined the role of ticks in the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Further, bacteria make up 22% of the zoonotic pathogens. From this study, it appears that rabies is the major pathogen in dogs for which there is reliable evidence linking contact between humans and dogs. Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria and Plateau State in north-central Nigeria were the most frequently studied states, while prevalence/disease surveillance studies constituted 80% of the overall papers assessed. Interdisciplinary collaborations as well as research and diagnosis policy amendments are missing links to fully appreciate the role of dogs in the transmission of zoonotic diseases in Nigeria. Policies should integrate a one health approach in the Nigerian health system, whereby diagnostic screening of humans and animals by physicians and veterinarians includes zoonotic pathogens for more accurate diagnosis and control.

Occurrence, antibiogram, high-level vancomycin and aminoglycosides resistance and potential virulence factors of enterococci in dogs in Nigeria

AbstractThis study was conducted to isolate enterococci from dogs in Nigeria, and to determine the potential virulence, antibiotic susceptibility, phenotypic vancomycin (VAN), high-level ampicillin (AMP) and aminoglycosides susceptibility profile of the isolates. Rectal swabs were collected from 295 randomly-selected, clinically-healthy dogs. The isolation of enterococci was done using Slanetz and Bartley enterococcal selective medium. The resistance of 150 non-repetitive isolates was determined using disc diffusion method. VAN resistance was assessed by high-level disc diffusion and agar-screening methods. High-level AMP and aminoglycosides (gentamicin and streptomycin) resistance was determined by agar-screening method. Potential virulence factors were assayed using phenotypic methods. Out of 295 samples, 234 (80.7%) gave positive growth. From these, 250 enterococcal isolates comprised 229 (91.6%) non-pigmented and 21 (8.4%) pigmented strains, were obtained. Resistance of the isolates was 89% to erythromycin, 92% to rifampicin, 77% to chloramphenicol, 83% to tetracycline, 64% to ciprofloxacin, 32.7% to VAN, 24.7% to high-level streptomycin (HLS) and 6% to high-level gentamicin (HLG). Among 150 non-repetitive resistant isolates, 144 (96%), including all the VAN-, HLS- and HLG-resistant strains, exhibited resistance to at least 3 classes of antibiotics. The mean multiple antibiotic resistance index was 0.54 (range = 0.22 – 0.89). Of these 150 isolates, 94 (62.7%), including all the VAN-, HLS- and HLG-resistant strains, displayed virulence potentials as biofilm (44.7%), surface-layer (13.8%), haemolysin (21.3%), gelatinase (40.4%), caesinase (10.6%) and deoxyribonuclease (12.8%) activities. This study showed that dogs in Nigeria are potential reservoirs and disseminators of potentially-virulent, multidrug-, VAN- and high-level aminoglycosides-resistant enterococci.

Pathological changes in an Alsatian dog following Amitraz and Sniper (dichlorvos) exposure

Amitraz and Sniper (dichlorvos) are known ectoparasiticides of dogs in Nigeria. Although reports of their toxicosis exist, information on the pathological presentations of their combined toxicosis is scanty hence the present case report. Two dogs both had Amitraz bath with simultaneous fumigation of their immediate environment with Sniper (diclorvos). Excessive salivation, staggering gait, and respiratory distress were observed shortly thereafter with the prompt administration of atropine sulphate which ameliorated it, but a particular dog progressively became weak, inactive and off feed. A vomitus, dark watery stool and blood spots were observed within its kennel before death. The post-mortem examination revealed emaciated, dehydrated and tick infested carcass with pale ocular and oral mucous membranes. There was also ileocolic intestinal intussusception characterized by anal intussusceptum protrusion, congested liver and pulmonary peribronchial haemorrhage with inter-alveoli cellular infiltration including haemorrhagic enteritis. Death might have been due to hypovolemic shock following the observed dehydration, pallor, haematochezia, peritoneal fluid exudation, hepatic congestion, pneumonia characterized by peribronchial haemorrhages, and haemorrhagic enteritis. The observed intussusception was a rare occurrence in a dog following Amitraz and Sniper poisoning in Abuja, Nigeria, which highlighted the need for their cautious and professional use.

Molecular characterization of babesia species infecting dogs (Canis familiaris) in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by an intra-erythrocytic protozoan of the genus Babesia. The genus contains a large number of species capable of infecting a variety of mammalian hosts, including humans. Misdiagnosis of the infection is a major setback in disease management, monitoring, and control. Therefore, timely and precise identification of infecting Babesia species is critical. This study aimed at detecting and characterizing the Babesia species infecting dogs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. Blood samples were collected from apparently healthy dogs (n=480), thin smears were prepared, Giemsa-stained, and examined under a microscope. DNA was extracted from positive blood samples (n=15), and PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene was performed using generic primers. PCR products were purified, electrophoresed on 1.5% agarose gels and thereafter, sequenced bidirectionally. The prevalence of Babesia species in thin smear was 3.1%. The prevalence in the six Area Councils was 5.0%, 3.75%, 2.5%, 2.5%, 2.5% and 2.5% for Gwagwalada, Municipal, Bwari, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji respectively. The prevalence in relation to age was 3.87% in dogs >1year old and 1.76% in dogs ≤ 1 year old. Prevalence by breed, was 4.38% in exotic dogs, 3.23% in local and 2.35% in crossbred. The prevalence in relation to sex was 3.96% in males and 2.37% in females. The BLAST search was carried out in the NCBI database, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using nucleotide sequences in GenBank. Electrophoresed PCR products revealed a band size of about 612bp. Blast in NCBI demonstrated 100% similarity with Babesia canis vogeli nucleotide sequences. This study reaffirmed the molecular identification of B. c. vogeli in apparently healthy dogs in Nigeria and it may be of clinical importance to veterinary clinicians in the management and control of the disease.

Prevalence and factors associated with taeniid infection among owned dogs in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Human association with taeniid infected dogs could pose risk of infection. Few studies exist on prevalence of taeniid infections in dogs in Nigeria, however, none have attempted to determine extrinsic factors associated with the prevalence among owned dogs. This study, therefore, aimed at determining taeniid infection and its associated intrinsic and extrinsic factors among owned dogs in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross sectional study involving the screening of 185 dog faecal samples using the floatation method was done. Questionnaire was used to obtain data on intrinsic factors such as age, gender, breed; and extrinsic factors such as management and hygienic practices and environmental factors from participating dog owners. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test at α0.05. The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 11.3 years, while the median age of the dogs was 20 months (Interquartile range 10.5 – 40). The prevalence of taeniid infection was 4.87%. Extrinsic factors such as the water source – tap water (Odds Ratio (OR): 5.5; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.01, 36.8) and the feed types – dry foods (OR: 11.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 159.3) were significantly associated with taeniid infection. None of the intrinsic factors was significantly associated with taeniid infection. Taeniid infection is low among owned dogs in the study area. Source of water and the food type to dogs could be possible source of taeniid infection to dogs. Proper dog deworming and provision of clean water source could help reduce taeniid infection in dogs.

Serological and molecular epidemiology of leptospirosis and the role of dogs as sentinel for human infection in Nigeria

ObjectiveProspective cross-sectional study of dogs in Nigeria to study leptospirosis, inferred to be endemic in all regions of the country by researchers. Aim is to generate empirical updated evidence of leptospiral infection and delineate serovars involved. MethodsStudy determined the sero-prevalence and infection rate in 342 dogs using sero-assays, culture isolation and novel qPCR. In-house designed primers targeting conserved regions were used to amplify genes in quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) for leptospiral detection to serogroups. Molecular analysis of the leptospiral 16S rRNA and LipL32 genes were used for identification of pathogenic Leptospira species. Primers targeting the O-antigen (rfb) region of the Leptospira lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used for differentiating serovars based on comparative melting temperature (Tm) analysis against reference serogroups. ResultsOverall serological and bacteriological prevalence of 56 (16.4%) and 40 (11.7%) respectively was recorded. Vaccination, ages and season(s) were the strongest determinants of infection. Unvaccinated animals, stray dogs and symptomatic dogs presented statistically significant (P < 0.05) higher risk of infection: OR 25.531 (6.108, 106.712; 95% CI). DiscussionThe evidence suggests 1 of every 10 dogs is infected and could be symptomatic for the disease or a carrier of leptospires in the studied region in Nigeria with attendant public health risks.

Identification and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia parasites in domestic dogs in Nigeria.

The present study examined the presence of Babesia parasites in 104 domestic dogs in Nigeria. Sequentially, Babesia parasites infecting domestic dogs underwent genetic and phylogenetic analyses. The results of nested PCR based on the Piroplasmida 18S rRNA gene illustrated that 13.5% (14/104) of the samples were positive. The obtained positive samples determined the nucleotide sequences of the 18S rRNA genes. In the genetic and phylogenetic analyses, four of five nucleotide sequences were similar to Babesia canis rossi, and one sample exhibited a close similarity to a Babesia sp. isolated from a raccoon in Hokkaido, Japan. The present study revealed the widespread presence of B. canis rossi among domestic dogs in Nigeria.

Molecular identification and genetic analysis of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato of dogs in Nigeria, West Africa.

The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, is a ubiquitous and taxonomically controversial pest of dogs with immense veterinary and public health significance. Genetic analyses of specimens from various geographical origins reveal intraspecific diversity within the taxon. Little information is available on the genetic characteristics of R. sanguineus s.l. in Nigeria, West Africa. In this study, 460bp of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene of R. sanguineus s.l. collected from dogs in different ecological zones of Nigeria was amplified, sequenced and characterized. Phylogenetic and pairwise analyses were used to compare the sequences generated in this study to each other and to sequences in GenBank. The sequences in this study were highly similar (>98%) to each other and clustered with sequences of the R. sanguineus s.l. tropical lineage in GenBank. None of the sequences in this study clustered with the 'southeastern Europe' or temperate lineage. The mean intraspecific divergence among R. sanguineus s.l. in this study was 1.7% (range: 0-8.0%). Furthermore, the sequences in this study showed mean divergence of 1.5% (0-10%), 5.0% (3.8-13.9%) and 9.7% (6.9-19.8%) from sequences of the tropical, southeastern Europe and temperate lineages, respectively. Interestingly, sequences in this study showed a mean divergence of 9.3% (1.0-17.8%) from the Rhipicephalus sp. morphotype 4 (GenBank acc. nr. KC243850) earlier identified from cattle in Nigeria, suggesting diversity in this taxon in Nigeria. Further studies are needed to elucidate the veterinary and public health significance of R. sanguineus s.l. in Nigeria taking into cognizance the existence of intraspecific variation in vector competence.

Prevalence and Molecular Identification of Trypanosomes in Dogs in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, South East Nigeria.

Dogs are of immense social, psychological and economic importance in Nigeria and are severely affected by African trypanosomosis. However, the prevalence of canine African trypanosomosis (CAT) in Nigeria is underreported and the identification of the parasites relies mostly on basic morphological characteristics under the microscope, which could be misleading. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence and characterize trypanosomes isolated from dogs in South east Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was carried out to determine the prevalence and molecular identification of trypanosomes in dogs in Enugu North Senatorial Zone (ENSZ), South east Nigeria. Dogs (n = 450) were randomly sampled, their blood collected and some characteristics such as sex, breed, sampling location, season and age duly noted. The blood samples were screened for trypanosomosis using standard trypanosome detection techniques. Trypanosome-positive blood samples were spotted on FTA® cards for molecular identification using nested Tubulin-PCR, ITS-PCR, TgsGP-PCR, and DNA sequencing. Some hematological parameters of the dogs such as packed cell volume (PCV), total leucocyte count (TLC), red blood cell count (RBC) were also determined. Of the 450 dogs sampled, 51 dogs were positive for trypanosomes with a prevalence rate of 11.3% (95% CI = 0.087-0.146). Trypanosoma brucei was the predominant trypanosome species infecting dogs in the study area. T. congolense, T. evansi, and T. vivax were also identified. The prevalence of canine trypanosomosis was significantly associated with season (χ2 = 13.821, df = 1, P = 0.0001) and the sampling location (χ2 = 6.900, df = 2, P = 0.032) while sex, breed, and age were not. The PCV and RBC of the infected dogs were significantly lower (p < 0.0001) than those of the uninfected dogs. CAT due to T. brucei is very prevalent in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, South east Nigeria and is associated with hematological changes. Our study also detected T. vivax in dogs in South east Nigeria which appears to be the first report of T. vivax in a dog in Nigeria.

Echinococcus granulosus Antibodies in Dogs and Breeder practices promoting spread of infection in Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic disease of public health significance, but there have been few studies of the infection in dogs in Nigeria. This study aimed to establish the seroprevalence of E. granulosus in dogs in four Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 179 dog sera were examined for the presence of E. granulosus antibody using an ELISA kit between May to October 2017. Results; Eleven of the sera (6.1%) were seropositive with a prevalence of 7.4% and 2.3% for dogs less than 2 years and those above 2 years of age respectively. More male dogs (7.5%) than females (4.1%) were seropositive. Seroprevalence was associated with &lt;2years than &gt; 2 years dogs (OR=3.33, p=0.46) and male than female dogs (OR=1.90, p=0.53) but association were not significant. Dogs from Bassa had the highest seroprevalence (15.2%), followed by Mangu (5.9%), Kanke (4.8%) and Jos South (2.0%). Odds ratio showed an association which was not significant between Bassa (OR=3.3), Kanke (OR=2.50). Conclusion: This study shows that E. granulosus infection is present in dogs in some parts of Plateau State. More studies should be done to ascertain echinococcus infection in dogs in Nigeria to aid the formulation of control programmes to forestall its public health impacts.

Phenotypic status of elbow dysplasia in Boerboel dogs in Nigeria

Elbow dysplasia (ED) is a developmental, multifactorial, polygenic disease of rapidly growing, large breed of dogs. ED can be a significant health concern for affected dogs because treatments are largely ineffective, making selectively breeding of normal dogs the best option for disease control. Despite the relative availability of data on ED prevalence in other breeds, there is dearth of information on ED prevalence in Boerboel dogs. This study evaluated ED prevalence and relative percentages of different ED grades in Boerboel dogs using radiographs of dogs presented for screening between April 2016 and September 2020. Extended latero-medial, flexed latero-medial and cranio-lateral-caudo-medial oblique radiographs from 64 dogs were reviewed. Radiographs were graded using international elbow working group (IEWG) criteria and grades 0-3 assigned to each joint. ED prevalence expressed as percentages were obtained by dividing the number of dogs with grades 1, 2 and 3 by total number of dogs. Age and sex difference in ED prevalence were compared using chi-square test. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05. Mean age of the dogs was 2.3 ± 0.6 years. Thirty-six (56.3%) dogs were graded as non-dysplastic, while 28(43.7%) were graded as dysplastic, with grade 3 (46.4%) accounting for majority of ED cases. There were no significant (p &gt; 0.05) difference in sex and age prevalence of ED in the breed. In conclusion, ED prevalence in Boerboel dog is high with majority of dogs having severe grade. Widespread phenotypic screening and strict breeding restrictions are recommended| to control the disease in the breed.&#x0D; Keywords: Boerboel, Dog, Elbow dysplasia, Prevalence, Radiographic screening

Molecular characterization of canine parvovirus from domestic dogs in Nigeria: Introduction and spread of a CPV-2c mutant and replacement of older CPV-2a by the "new CPV-2a" strain.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a contagious and highly pathogenic virus of dogs. After its first report in 1978, the CPV original type (CPV-2) was rapidly and totally replaced by three antigenic variants named CPV-2a, CPV-2b and CPV-2c that circulate in various countries at different frequencies and recently reported in Nigeria. This study describes the molecular characterization of 28 CPV strains in dogs presenting with gastroenteritis in veterinary clinics at Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria. The results show the predominance (92.8%) of CPV-2a, while CPV-2c was found only in two samples. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the CPV Nigerian strains were closely related to Asian strains and 26 CPV-2a out of 28 CPV sequences fell into 2 different subclades consistent with predicted amino acid mutations at position 267, 321, 324 and 440. Lys321Asn was evident in all the Nigerian strains whilst Phe267Tyr and Tyr324Ile were observed in 96.4% of the sequences, respectively. Thr440Ala occurred in 89.3% of sequences from this study. The new CPV-2a was predominant and appears to have replaced other CPV-2a strains in South-western Nigeria whilst the CPV-2c strain which is identical to the isolate recently reported in Northern Nigeria, may have been introduced in this country at the time of this study. Monitoring virus epidemiology is important to better understand the dynamics of CPV evolution and the eventual need to change or improve existing vaccination strategies.

Molecular evidence indicts Haemaphysalis leachi (Acari: Ixodidae) as the vector of Babesia rossi in dogs in Nigeria, West Africa

Babesia rossi is the most pathogenic among the large canine babesias and it is the major cause of canine babesisosis in Nigeria. In South Africa it is transmitted by Haemaphysalis elliptica however, its putative vector in Nigeria where Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the most prevalent tick on dogs compared to Haemaphysalis species has not been ascertained. The incongruity between tick distribution and the frequent detection of B. rossi in Nigeria motivated this investigation to identify the local vector(s) of B. rossi. A total of 3805 ticks were collected from 363 naturally infested dogs from different parts of Nigeria. Of these numbers, 758 engorged female ticks; Rh. sanguineus (n = 660) and H. leachi (n = 98) were incubated for oviposition and hatching. After the completion of egg laying, Rh. sanguineus (n = 69) and H. leachi (n = 24) and their resulting progenies were screened for the presence of B. rossi DNA using a nested PCR targeting the 693 bp of the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia spp. Amplification and sequencing of B. rossi DNA was successful in the adults of H. leachi and their resulting egg and larval progenies but not in the adult Rh. sanguineus and progenies. The B. rossi DNA sequences from the H. leachi and their progenies have 99–100 % identity to each other and 98–99 % identical to sequences of B. rossi in GenBank (GenBank: MH143395.1), thus confirming transovarian passage. This evidence confirms for the first time following the reclassification of H. leachi to H. elliptica in South Africa the role of H. leachi in the transmission of B. rossi in dogs in Nigeria.

Serological and Molecular Epidemiology of Leptospirosis and the Role of Dogs as Sentinel for Human Infection in Nigeria

Objective: Prospective cross-sectional study of dogs in Nigeria to study leptospirosis, inferred to be endemic in all regions of the country by researchers. Aim is to generate empirical updated evidence of leptospiral infection and delineate serovars involved. Methods: Study determined the sero-prevalence and infection rate in 342 dogs of various demographics using sero-assays, culture isolation and novel qPCR. In-house designed primers targeting conserved regions were used to amplify genes in quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays for leptospiral detection to serogroups. Molecular analysis of the leptospiral 16S rRNA and LipL 32 genes, reported earlier as novel diagnostic targets, were used for identification of pathogenic Leptospira species. Primers targeting the O-antigen ( rfb ) region of the Leptospira lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used for differentiating serovars based on comparative melting temperature (Tm) analysis of PCR product against reference serogroups. Results: Overall serological and bacteriological prevalence of 56(16.4%) and 40(11.7%) respectively was recorded. German shepherds were the most highly represented group, with a sero-prevalence of 17(22.4%). Vaccination, ages and season(s) were the strongest determinants of infection and the presence of circulating antibodies to leptospires after seroconversion. Unvaccinated animals, stray dogs as well as symptomatic dogs presented statistically significant (P<0.05) higher risk of infection: OR 25.531(6.108, 106.712; 95% CI). Discussion: The evidence suggests 1 of every 10 dogs is infected and could be symptomatic for the disease or a carrier of leptospires in the studied region in Nigeria. Given the proximity of dogs to humans, quantifying the burdens of leptospirosis in dogs is a priority from a public health perspective. Funding Information: The Vinetz Laboratory and the Fulbright Grant #15150575 jointly funded this work. Declaration of Interests: None to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: Animal Approval was obtained from Usmanu Danfodiyo University with number 2014/RO-11.

Field application of a novel multiplex qPCR assay reveals the occurrence of the zoonotic hookworm Ancylostoma braziliense in Nigerian dogs

A number of gastrointestinal parasites have been reported to infect dogs in Nigeria, some of which have zoonotic potential. Of these, hookworms are the most prevalent, with both Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala reported in the country. In this study, we subjected 203 hookworm microscopy-positive samples of the 885 individual faecal samples collected from dogs in Nigeria to a recently developed multiplex qPCR for the detection and characterisation of canine hookworm species. The qPCR demonstrated a diagnostic sensitivity of 98% (95% CI 95-99.4) allowing the detection of A. caninum and A. braziliense in 81.3% (165/203, 95% CI 75.3-86.1) and 51.2% (104/203, 95% CI 44.4-58) of the microscopy-positive faecal samples of dogs from Nigeria, respectively and 34.5% (70/203, 95% CI 28.3-41.3) of mixed infections with both hookworm species.The finding of A. braziliense is particularly worrisome given this is a well-known agent of persistent cutaneous larva migrans, commonly referred to as “creeping eruptions” in humans. Although this parasite has been diagnosed in locals and in people travelling in Nigeria suffering from dermatological illnesses, this represents the first molecular identification of A. braziliense in its canine reservoir in the country. These results update the occurrence and distribution of hookworm species affecting dogs in Nigeria highlighting the suitability of the newly developed multiplex qPCR assay as a high-throughput tool for the surveillance of zoonotic hookworms, globally.