Short Communication: Open Access Ectoparasitic infestations of cats and dogs in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria: brief communication for ‘One Health’ approach to control of potential zoonoses

Background: Cats and dogs are important companion animals that paradoxically pose risks of zoonotic infections to their owners. This study determined the ectoparasitic infestations of cats and dogs in a semi-rural setting of Ebonyi State, so as to establish the prevalence of the ectoparasites among the companion animals for creation of public health awareness relevant to prevention of zoonoses in the area. Methods: One hundred dogs and 21 cats from Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, were examined for ectoparasitic infestations, using standard parasitological techniques. Systematic random sampling technique was employed in the study. Parasites were identified with standard identification guides. Data were analysed using aspects of Bush infection statistics and Chi-square. Statistical significance was established at p<0.05. Results: Out of the 100 dogs examined, 80 (80%), 8 (8%), 6 (6%), 2 (2%) and 4 (4%) were infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis and Sarcoptes scabiei respectively. A significant association was observed between R. sanguineus and the dogs (X2=100.00; p=0.000). Six (28.6%) of the 21 cats examined were infested with C. felis, with significant statistical association (X2=21.000; p=0.000) and 2 (9.5%) were infested with Otodectes cynotis but no significant association (X2=5.526; p=0.063). Conclusion: Based on the observed prevalence of ectoparasites among the animals, collaborative efforts of the medical and veterinary personnel are solicited in the spirit of ‘one health’ in order to protect the health of the pets and those of their owners. Keywords: Ectoparasitism, Cats, Dogs, Ebonyi State, Zoonose

Status of urogenital schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis co-infection among pupils in a rural setting of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The study investigated persistence of urinary schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis during MDA of anthelminthics. Information on supply and utilization of the anthelminthics from 2014 to 2017 were obtained from Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, Abakaliki, and from Ezza North LGA headquarters respectively. Urine and stool specimens were collected from 200 pupils from selected schools in Ezza North LGA. The specimens were examined using standard parasitological techniques. A total of 389,064 and 725,443 tablets of praziquantel and albendazole respectively were supplied to the study-area from 2014 to 2017. The percentage utilization of the regimen was 57.03% and 63.88% respectively. Age-dependent prevalence of schistosomiasis among the pupils indicated a total of 10.5%. Age group 9-11 years had least prevalence (6.15%) in comparison with others, with significant difference (p=0.044). Though the males were infected more than the females (11.96% vs 9.26%), no significant difference (p=0.535) was observed in prevalence of S. haematobium infections. Gender-related prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis indicated no significant difference (p=0.224). Infection prevalence with respect to taxa of geohelminths indicated that hookworms had higher prevalence (24.50%) than A. lumbricoides (5%) and Trichuris trichiura (2.5%). Prevalence of the helminths were still high, despite appreciable levels of supply and utilization of the regimens. Surveillance for drug resistance is recommended. Keywords: Schistosomiasis; soil-transmitted helminthiaasis; co-infection; chemotherapy; Ebonyi State