Distribution of Microsporidia spp. in Tick Species in Cattle in Parts of Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Frequent contacts between tick-infested cattle and living hosts (ticks), enables the role cattle plays in the transmission of Microsporidia spp. among the animals. This cross-sectional study evaluated the presence of Microsporidia spp. in tick species on traded cattle in six cattle farms in some parts of Ogun State, South-western part of Nigeria. A total of five hundred and thirty-five (535) ticks were hand-picked from various parts of the body on cattle from the study area. The hand-picked ticks were identified and screened for the presence of Microsporidia spores. Chi-square and logistic regression model were analysed using R software with p < 0.05 being set as significance. Results showed that out of the 535 ticks sampled, an overall 280 (52.3%) were detected to be infected with Microsporidia spp. Among the tick species, Amblyomma variegatum 103 (55.1%) and Dermacentor nitens 24(42.1%) had the highest and lowest prevalence rates for microsporidiosis respectively. Majority of the infections (69.2%) were found in cattle in Abeokuta-North Local Government Area with p < 0.05 across the cattle farms in the study area. Lastly, Microsporidia spp. was twice as likely to infect ticks on cattle in Ikenne and Ijebu-North Local Government Areas (p<0.05). In conclusion, the study revealed that tick species found on cattle in Ogun State are home to Microsporidia spp. and it is recommended that sensitization programs on ticks menace to cattle traders be embarked on by stakeholders and veterinarians in Ogun State without exacerbating public health challenges. This study serves as a critical reminder that the intersection of aquaculture and public health requires a coordinated approach to ensure sustainable development in malaria-endemic regions like Mongu District.