Tick Infestation in the Local Breed of Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in Lagos, Nigeria and Implications on Babesiosis
NJE Vol. 41: 167-177, 2025
DOI.10.36108/NJE/5202/14.0121
OJUROMI, Oladele T.,1* ALAFIA Azeezat O.1, AJELARA, Kafayat O. 1, OLUWO, Ridwan B. 1., SHAIBU, Joseph 2 ADEOGUN, Adedapo 2, OYENIYI Tolulope 2, ADETUNJI Bamidele S. 1, GODONU Kolawole G. 3, OYEFOLU, Akeeb.B.4, DENLOYE, Abiodun A. 1.
1Lagos State University, Ojo, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, PMB 0001, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
2Entomology Unit, Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos. Nigeria
3School of Agriculture, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria.
4Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos. Nigeria
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are considered a significant public health challenge to dog owners and the public. Tick-infested dogs are more likely to transmit zoonotic diseases, like babesiosis. However, the species of ticks that serve as vectors of babesiosis in Lagos State, Nigeria, are not well-documented. Tick samples from indigenous dogs in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State were subject to morphological identification using a microscope (Motic SMZ-171) and screened for babesiosis using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Thirty-four (34) dogs (Males: 19 (55.9%); females 15 (44.1%)) were examined and one hundred and nine (109) ticks, 30 (27.5%) males, 56(51.4 %) females, 10(9.2%) larvae, and 13 (11.9%) nymphs were collected. Some ticks are not engorged, 21 (19.3%), semi-engorged, 29(26.6 %) and engorged 59 (54.1%). The infestation rate was 28/34 (82.4 %), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the tick species identified through morphological analysis, while PCR identified Babesia spp. in 19/86 (22.1%) adult ticks. For early detection of potential outbreaks and identifying high-risk areas, this study recommends a larger-scale study to ascertain the prevalence of Babesia spp. and other species in different communities in Lagos State to ascertain the public health significance.
Keywords: babesiosis, dogs, ticks, zoonoses