Abstract

Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familaris) are the most common domesticated animals globally, with their proximity to human creating an avenue for transfer of zoonotic infections. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of bacteria associated with domestic dogs in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to consented dog owners from six (6) locations; Port Harcourt Town, Mgbuoba, Oroazi, Diobu, Rumuomasi, and Woji. Breeds sampled include Lhasa Apso, German Shepard German-Caucasian, Pit-bull, Chow-chow, Samoyed, Rottweiler, Aspin, Caucasian, Rottweiler-Canecosor, and Mongrel-Rottweiler. With the aid of sterile swab sticks, 200 samples were randomly collected from the skin, mouth, ear and anus of 50 domestic dogs, male and female inclusive. Samples were analysed using standard microbiological techniques. Results of bacterial isolates belonging to 12 genera and frequency were; Proteus spp. (78%), Klebsiella spp. (30%), Salmonella spp. (46%) Enterobacter spp. (82%) Edwardsiella spp. (28%), Escherichia spp. (86%), Kluyvera spp. (90%), Bacillus spp. (96%) Paenbacillus spp. (48%) Micrococcus spp. (56%) Staphylococcus spp.  (100%) and Kocuria spp. (12%). These bacteria are known potential pathogens. Prevalence of bacteria across the breeds was highest in Aspin (100%), Pit-bull (100%), and German shepherd (100%). Male dogs (100%) showed a higher bacterial population than females (92%). The anus (85%) had the highest distribution of bacterial isolates, followed by ear (81%), mouth (78%) and skin (78%). Diobu (21%) and Port Harcourt Town (21%) locations recorded the highest distribution of bacterial while Rumuomasi (10%) had the least. Health care routine of the dogs affected bacterial distribution as daily bath (58%) recorded the least bacterial isolates compared to monthly,  and quarterly bath (100% each). Presence of potential pathogens in this study emphasizes need for caution in interacting with domestic dogs, to minimize the spread of zoonotic infections and other associated public health risk.