Serosurvey for Toxoplasma gondii in dogs in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Autores: Kamani Joshua, Mani Aliyu U, Kumshe Hussaini A, Dogo Goni I, Yidawi James P, Pauline Dauda K, Nnabuife Henry E

Resumen

The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) antibodies in dogs in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, Nigeria, was determined using the Latex Aagglutination Test (LAT). Antibodies (LAT titer > 1:64) to T. gondii were found in 42 (25%) of the animals examined. Antibody titers in positive dogs ranged from 1:64 (15 dogs) to1:2048 (3 dogs). There was a significant statistical difference (P < 0.05) between age groups of dogs, the prevalence being higher in dogs ≥ 3 years (2 = 13.73 P = 0.0002, OR 2.80 CI95% 1.28-6.13 P = 0.008). Pure Alsatians and their crosses were less likely to be seropositive (OR cross breed 0.28 CI95% 0.13-0.61 P = 0.001, OR Alsatian 0.16 CI95% 0.04-0.58 P = 0.002). The high prevalence of T. gondii infection that we found in dogs suggests a need for a larger survey to determine the national prevalence and identify possible risk factors in different agro-climatic zones. Such a study will help in formulating nation-wide control measures for toxoplasmosis.

Palabras clave: Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence dogs Borno State Nigeria.

2010-05-07   |   2,347 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 4 Núm.1. Enero 2010 Pags. 16-18. J Infect Developing Countries 2010; 4(1)