Seroprevalence, isolation and spatial distribution of <i>Leptospira</i> serovars in dogs in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study undertook a prospective serological and bacteriological survey for Leptospira infection inferred to be endemic by previous sketchy research in most regions of Nigeria. An enzyme conjugate system and culture isolation globally used to screen for Leptospira was used to screen blood and urine samples collected in canine population in studied region. Major objective is to determine potential spatial occurrence of the infection so that quantitative and qualitative risks will be demonstrated for informed public health safety. An overall serological and bacteriological prevalence of 16.4% and 11.75 respectively was recorded. Out of the nine districts studied, only 3 (33.3%) were negative for Leptospira in the State, 6 (66.7%) of the nine districts were positive for isolates constituting a widespread distribution of subsets of canine population closely in contact with humans serving as potential maintenance and dispersal source of leptospires. Two districts presented a statistically significant (P<0.05) association in isolation of Leptospira and the region of study essentially due to demographically and socio-economically related variables determining outcomes. This study demonstrates empirical data of circulating leptospires in dogs with widespread distribution. There is therefore a qualitative and quantitative risk for zoonotic spread given an ever-existing canine human bond, this also establishes risks for livestock population given evidence of cross species infection with canine adapted leptospiral serovars