Prevalence of Tick Infestations and Molecular Identification of Tick-Borne Pathogens among Dogs in Okpokwu L.G.A, Benue State, Nigeria

Adulugba O.A.¹ , Atsuwe T.S.² , Abah E.A.³

1. Dept. of Science Laboratory Technology, Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Nigeria.
2. Dept. of Zoology, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
3. Dept. of Science Laboratory Technology, Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Nigeria.

Section:Research Paper, Product Type: Journal-Paper
Vol.10 , Issue.7 , pp.67-75, Jul-2024

Online published on Jul 31, 2024

Copyright © Adulugba O.A., Atsuwe T.S., Abah E.A. . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
 

View this paper at   Google Scholar | DPI Digital Library

XML View     PDF Download

How to Cite this Paper

117 Views    82 Downloads    31 Downloads

Abstract :
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of tick infestation and identify tick-borne pathogens in dogs in Okpokwu LGA, Benue State, Nigeria. Samples were collected from 120 asymptomatic dogs, including ticks and blood. Tick identification was performed using a stereomicroscope and standard taxonomic keys. Thin blood films were prepared, and DNA was extracted for examination using microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Out of the 120 dogs examined, 76 (63.3%) were infested with various tick species. A total of 484 adult ticks were collected, represented by four species: Rhipicephalus sanguineus (415, 85.7%), Rhipicephalus Boophilus annulatus (36, 7.4%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (22, 4.5%), and Hyalomma truncatum (11, 2.3%). There was a significant difference (p < 0.005) in abundance among the four tick species. Blood screening revealed that 5 (4.2%) dogs were positive for tick-borne pathogens by microscopy, and 11 (9.2%) by PCR. Specifically, 4 (3.33%) dogs were positive for Babesia canis vogeli by microscopy, and 9 (7.5%) by PCR. Additionally, 1 (0.83%) dog was positive for Ehrlichia canis by microscopy, and 2 (2.5%) by PCR. Anaplasma spp. and Theileria spp. were not detected. The prevalence of tick-borne pathogens was higher in male dogs (7, 13.0%) compared to female dogs (4, 6.1%). Adult dogs (8, 14.5%) were more prone to infections than younger dogs (1, 3.8%). There was a significant association (p < 0.05) between age and prevalence of tick-borne infections. PCR showed high sensitivity (77.2%), specificity (93.6%), positive predictive value (85.0%), and negative predictive value (90.2%) at a 95% confidence interval. The findings suggest that the prevalence of tick infestation and tick-borne pathogens in Okpokwu LGA is significantly influenced by favorable environmental conditions and climate. Effective control and preventive strategies are necessary to reduce tick infestations and tick-borne pathogens in Nigeria.

Key-Words / Index Term :
Infestations, Molecular Identification, Tick-Borne Pathogens, Dogs, Prevalence of tick, taxonomic keys

References :
[1] E.U. Amuta, R.S. Houmsou, M. Ogabiela, “Tick infestation of dogs in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State Nigeria,” The Internet Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Vol. 7, Issue 2, 2009.
[2] H.D. Peter, I.A. Odetokun, O.O. Akintola, N. Elelu, “Prevalence of ticks and haemoparasitic infections in dogs presented at the University of Ilorin Veterinary Teaching Hospital,” Savannah Veterinary Journal, Vol. 2, pp. 31-36, 2019.
[3] K.A. Modu, M. Babagana, F. Kyari, L.M. Modibbo, A. Garba, S.B. Usman, “Assessment of tick infestation rate among local and exotic dog breeds in Kano municipal, Kano state, Nigeria,” International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Vol. 6, Issue 2, pp. 35-38, 2021.
[4] D.D. Haa, V.A. Pam, N.R. Uzoigwe, A. Ombugadu, J.I. Maikenti, V.A. Adejoh, O.P. Aimankhu, M.S. Kure, S.E. Ameh, “Ticks Infestation on Mongrels (Local Dogs) in Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria,” Trends in Technical and Scientific Research, Vol. 6, Issue 4, pp. 001-005, 2023.
[5] B.E. Wama, J. Jonathan, I.C. Garba, J.A. Njilmah, I.O. Aguzie, “Survey of Tick Infestations on pet dogs in Jalingo, Local Government Area of Taraba State,” Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 42, Issue 2, pp. 228-233, 2021.
[6] M.A. Taylor, R.L. Coop, R.L. Wall, “Veterinary Parasitology,” 3rd edition, Blackwell Publishing Limited, Oxford, UK, pp. 10-11, 2007. ISBN: 9781405119641.
[7] J. Kamani, G. Baneth, K.Y. Mumcuoglu, N.E. Waziri, O. Eyal, Y. Guthmann, S. Harrus, “Molecular detection and characterization of tick-borne pathogens in dogs and ticks from Nigeria,” PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vol. 7, Issue 3, e2108, 2013.
[8] M. Adamu, M. Troskie, D.O. Oshadu, D.P. Malatji, B.L. Penzhorn, P.T. Matjila, “Occurrence of tick-transmitted pathogens in dogs in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria,” Parasites and Vectors, Vol. 7, Issue 1, pp. 119, 2014.

[9] A.N. Happi, A.J. Toepp, C.A. Ugwu, C.A. Petersen, J.E. Sykes, “Detection and identification of blood-borne infections in dogs in Nigeria using light microscopy and the polymerase chain reaction,” Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, Vol. 11, Issue 1, pp. 55–60, 2018.
[10] A.A. Hegab, H.M. Omar, M. Abuowarda, S.G. Ghattas, N.E. Mahmoud, M.M. Fahmy, “Screening and phylogenetic characterization of tick-borne pathogens in a population of dogs and associated ticks in Egypt,” Parasites and Vectors, Vol. 15, Issue 222, pp. 1-15, 2022.
[11] I. Gruenberger, A.V. Liebich, T.O. Ajibade, O.O. Obebe, N.F. Ogbonna, L.N. Wortha, M.S. Unterköfler, H.P. Fuehrer, A.B. Ayinmode, “Vector-Borne Pathogens in Guard Dogs in Ibadan, Nigeria,” Pathogens, Vol. 12, Issue 3, pp.406-412, 2023.
[12] S.S. Obeta, B. Ibrahim, I.A. Lawal, J.A. Natala, N.D. Ogo, E.O. Balogun, “Prevalence of canine babesiosis and their risk factors among asymptomatic dogs in the federal capital territory, Abuja, Nigeria,” Parasite Epidemiology and Control, Vol. 11,pp. e00186, 2020.
[13] C.I. Ogbaje, S.S. Akoho, M. Tion, “Prevalence of Ehrlichia Canis in Dogs in Makurdi Metropolis Using Methanol Leaf Extract of Lawsonia inermis, Giemsa and Romanwsky (Differential Quick) Staining Methods,” African Journal of Biomedical Research, Vol. 26, pp. 297-301, 2023.
[14] Y. Nawab, M. Ijaz, Rm. Ayyub, A. Ahmed, I. Muzammil, Nz. Ghumman, Mu. Javed, A. Adil, “Molecular detection of Theileria annulata infection: An emerging disease of pet dogs in Pakistan,” Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi, Vol. 29, Issue 1, pp. 41-48, 2023.
[15] D. Sumbria, L.D. Singla, “Thwack of Worldwide Weather Transformation on Vector and Vector-Borne Parasitic Infections,” ARC Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Vol. 3, Issue 2, pp. 1-10, 2017.
[16] O.A. Adetayo, O.E. Makinde, P.O. Odeniran, C.O. Adetayo, “Prevalence and Risk Factors of Tick Infestation in Dogs in Ibadan, Nigeria,” African Journal of Biomedical Research, Vol. 24, pp. 135-140, 2021.
[17] G.A. Arong, B.A. Adetunji, D.A. Mowang, A.E. Odu, “Comparative distribution of ticks on dogs in the Calabar Metropolis, South-South Nigeria,” European Journal of Zoological Research, Vol. 2, Issue 4, pp. 14-18, 2013.
[18] B.O. Abdulkareem, A.I. Christy, U.U. Samuel, “Prevalence of ectoparasite infestations in owned dogs in Kwara State, Nigeria,” Parasite Epidemiology and Control, Vol. 3, pp. e00079, 2018.
[19] P.G. Rwang, H.O. Ahmed, A. Ombugadu, H.Y. Hamid, C.D. Nkup, “Ticks infestation and diversity on indigenous cattle reared in Qua’an-Pan LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria,” International Archives of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Vol. 1, Issue 1, pp. 17-21, 2019.
[20] N.G. Agu, I.C. Okoye, C.G. Nwosu, I. Onyema, C.N. Iheagwam, T.J. Anunobi, “Prevalence of ectoparasites infestation among companion animals in Nsukka Cultural Zone,” Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, Vol. 10, pp. 1050-1057, 2020.
[21] L.D. Singla, D. Sumbria, A. Mandhotra, M.S. BAL, P. Kaur, “Critical analysis of vector-borne infections in dogs: Babesia vogeli, Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis in Punjab, India,” Acta Parasitologica, Vol. 61, Issue 4, pp. 697-706, 2016.
[22] D. Sumbria, L.D. Singla, S.K. Gupta, “Arthropod invaders pedestal threats to public vigor: An overview,” Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, Vol. 11, Issue 4, pp. 213-225, 2016.
[23] A. Leisewitz, “Theileriosis in Dogs in South Africa,” World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings, 2014.
[24] J. Kamani, G. Baneth, S. Harrus, “An annotated checklist of tick-borne pathogens of dogs in Nigeria,” Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, Vol. 15, pp. 100255, 2019.
[25] S.N. Karshima, “Vectors and vector-borne pathogens of dogs in Nigeria: A meta-analysis of their prevalence and distribution from data published between 1975 and 2016,”. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports., Vol. 12, pp. 69–77, 2018.
[26] L. Lorusso, M. Wijnveld, A.O. Majekodunmi, C. Dongkum, A. Fajinmi, A.G. Dogo, M. Thrusfield, A. Mugenyi, E. Vaumourin, S. Igweh, F. Jongejan, S.C. Welburn, K. Picozzi, “Tick-borne pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance in Nigerian cattle,” Parasites and Vectors, Vol. 9, pp. 217-213, 2016.
[27] F.A. Akande, A.F. Adebowale, O.A. Idowu, O.O. Sofela, “Prevalence of ticks on indigenous breed of hunting dogs in Ogun State, Nigeria,” Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences., Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 66-71, 2018.
[28] M. Konto, A.A. Biu, M.I. Ahmed, S. Charles, “Prevalence and seasonal abundance of ticks on dogs and the role of Rhipicephalus sanguineus in transmitting Babesia species in Maiduguri, North Eastern Nigeria,” Veterinary World, Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 119-124, 2014.
[29] M.M. Gallego, O.T. Chaivez, A.M. Mejia-Jaramillo, J. Jaimes-Duenez, “Molecular characterization of Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli reveals multiple genogroups associated with clinical traits in dogs from urban areas of Colombia,” Ticks and Tick-borne diseases, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 102111, 2023.
[30] E.U. Amuta, B.O. Atu, R.S. Houmsou, J.G. Ayashar, “Rhipicephalus sanguineus infestation and Babesia canis infection among domestic dogs in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria,” International Journal Academic Research, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 170-172, 2010.
[31] M.N. Opara, T.S. Adewumi, B.R. Mohammed, S.S. Obeta, M.K. Simon, O.C. Jegede, R.I.S. Agbede, “Investigations on the haemoprotozoan Parasites of Nigerian local breed of dogs in Gwagwalada Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nigeria,” Research Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 1-7, 2017.
[32] M.I. Takeet, I.K. Oyewusi, M.A. Oyekunle, A.O. Talabi, “Detection and molecular characterization of Ehrlichia canis in naturally infected dogs in South West Nigeria,”Acta Veterinaria Hungarica., Vol. 66, pp. 85–95, 2018.
[33] O.O. Daramola, M.I. Takeet, I.K. Oyewusi, M.A. Oyekunle, A.O. Talabi, “Detection and molecular characterization of Ehrlichia canis in naturally infected dogs in South West Nigeria,”Acta Veterinaria Hungarica., Vol. 66, pp. 85–95, 2018.
[34] O.C. Jegede, S.S. Obeta, B. Faisal, “Infection of dogs with Babesia canis in Gwagwalada area of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Niger,” Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Science, Vol. 12, pp. 37–41, 2014.
[35] G. Miro, R. Checa, A. Paparini, N. Ortega, J.L. Gonzalez-Fraga, A. Gofton, A. Bartolome, A. Montoya, R. Galvez, P.P. Mayo, P. Irwin, “Theileria annae (syn. Babesia microti-like) infection in dogs in NW Spain detected using direct and indirect diagnostic techniques: Clinical report of 75 cases,” Parasite Vectors, Vol. 8, pp. 217, 2015.
[36] O.O. Okubanjo, O.A. Adeshina, I.D. Jatau, A.J. Natala, “Prevalence of Babesia canis and Hepatozoon canis in Zaria, Nigeria,” Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Science, Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 15-20, 2013.
[37] O. Merino-Charrez, V. Badillo-Moreno, J. Loredo-Osti, H. Barrios-García, V. Carvajal-de-la-Fuente, “Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum and hematological changes of infected dogs in central zone of Tamaulipas, México,” Abanico veterinario, Vol. 11, No. 1, 2021.
[38] B. Abanda, A. Paguem, M. Abdoulmoumini, M.T. Kingsley, A. Renz, A. Eisenbarth, “Molecular identification and prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in Zebu and taurine cattle in North Cameroon,” Parasite Vectors, Vol. 12, pp. 448-452, 2019.