Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Dogs in Enugu and Anambra States, Nigeria

Abstract

<jats:p>Seroprevalence of the antibodies of Brucella canis and Brucella abortus in dogs was assessed using a cross-sectional survey in Anambra and Enugu States, Nigeria. A total of 123 Companion dogs made up of 65 clinic dogs, 34 slaughter dogs and 24 household dogs were screened. For B. abortus antibody assay, the collected serum was used for Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), Serum agglutination test (SAT) and Solid Phase Immunoassay technique with Immunocomb® Canine Brucellosis Antibody Test Kit was used. Out of the 123 dogs screened, none was positive for Brucella abortus antibodies while 34 (27.7%) of the dogs screened were positive for B. canis antibodies. There was a significant association (P0.05) between infection and sex, the infection was significantly higher (P0.05) in female than male dogs. Prevalence was significantly higher (P0.05) in Exotic breeds than in mixed and local dog breeds. There was no association (P0.05) between infection and antibody titre levels in the different categories of dogs. However, there was significant association (P0.05) between the presence of Brucella canis antibodies and free roaming of dogs. This study provides the first serological evidence of B. canis infection in dogs in Enugu and Anambra States. This shows that B. canis is endemic in both states, underscoring the need for further studies. Female dogs, exotic breeds and freely roaming dogs are at a higher risk of Brucella infection in the study area; therefore, preventive and control measures are strongly recommended</jats:p>

Risk factors associated with the occurrence of Brucella canis seropositivity in dogs within selected provinces of South Africa

“…The fact that NMBM had the highest average age of dogs (43.4 months), as compared to 29.9 months in the CJM-Gauteng and 40.6 months in the T&O, explains why NMBM had a higher risk of B. canis infection compared to the other two study areas. These findings affirm previous work of other researchers who concluded that the age of the dog, especially in sexually active dogs above 3 years of age, presents a greater risk for B. canis infection (Ayoola et al 2016; Anyaoha 2015).…”

“…All dogs up to 6 months of age were found to be seronegative because they were not sexually mature and active yet. Anyaoha (2015) revealed that in an earlier study in Nigeria, a seroprevalence of 3.4% in dogs younger than 1 year was reported, while a seroprevalence of 10.1% was reported in dogs 1–3 years old and 15.7% was reported in dogs above 3 years of age.…”

Survey for Brucella Antibodies in Dogs in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria

“…The findings of the study is also higher than 21.5% reported by Osinubi et al [27] in Zaria, 5.46% by Cadmus et al [6] in South western Nigeria, zero percent prevalence reported by Anyaoha [2] in Enugu and Anambra States using RBPT, as well as 1.06%…”

“…Location-based sero-prevalence of Brucella antibodies in dogs revealed a highest prevalence rate of 26% in Kalmai ward as compared to other wards, this may be as a result of the location of the dog market and dog slaughter slab as well as the activities of dog meat processors and dog retailers in the ward. The lowest prevalence rate (4.17%) was recorded in Bare ward, this may be as a result of less contact rate between dogs and other livestock species in the study area as observed by Anyaoha et al [2] in Enugu and Anambra…”

Identifying potential natural inhibitors of Brucella melitensis Methionyl-tRNA synthetase through an in-silico approach

“…The disease is well controlled in most developed countries [11], but common in Africa, South America, Asia, the Caribbean, Middle East and the Mediterranean basin [12,2,13]. In livestock production, the major economic effects are due to abortion, premature birth, reduced milk production, repeat breeding and cost of veterinary care [14].…”