Canine Ticks, Tick-Borne Pathogens and Associated Risk Factors in Nigeria.

ABSTRACT: Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) pose a significant threat to canine health in Nigeria. Despite this, there is little data on the molecular identification of ticks and TBPs of dogs in Nigeria. This study assessed the prevalence of ticks and TBPs in Nigerian dogs, along with associated risk factors. A total of 259 dogs were enrolled in the study, from which 112 adult ticks were collected. Of these, 40 were characterized by molecular barcoding confirming Rhipicephalus sanguineus (R. sanguineus, 35/40) and Haemphysalis leachi (H. leachi, 5/40) infestations. Nucleotide sequences showed high percentage similarity to R. sanguineus tropical lineage and H. leachi sequences from Chad. Point-of-care (POC) testing of 259 dogs detected antibodies to TBPs in 40.9% o

SUBMITTER: Apaa TT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12735562 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature