Serosurvey for Toxoplasma gondii in dogs in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
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) to 1:2048 (3 dogs). There was a significant statistical difference (P < 0.05) between age groups of dogs, the prevalence being higher in dogs > or = 3 years (chi2 = 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.
Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute PMB 01 Vom, Nigeria. shapumani@yahoo.com
Joshua
J
Kamani
Aliyu U
AU
Mani
Hussaini A
HA
Kumshe
Goni I
GI
Dogo
James P
JP
Yidawi
Dauda K
DK
Pauline
Henry E
HE
Nnabuife
Peter
P
Joan
Godwin O
GO
Egwu
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology*; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan