Phenotypic and molecular characterization of aerobic bacteria from the vagina of apparently healthy and infertile Bitches in Zaria, Nigeria

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

2 Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria

3 Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsuka

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a major constraint to successful dog breeding in many developing countries including Nigeria. The aim of this study was to establish the aerobic bacterial microflora of the vagina of both apparently healthy and clinically infertile Nigerian bitches in a bit to inferring the likely bacterial causes of infertility in the dogs examined. Methods: Bacteria were culturally isolated and characterized using conventional biochemical tests and sequencing of their 16S rRNA; then antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using commonly available antimicrobial agents that were also implicated in the treatment of dogs in the area. Results: A total of 169 bacteria were isolated; of which 103 (60.9 %) were from apparently healthy bitches and 66 (39.1%) from bitches with reproductive anomalies. These include Staphylococcus saprophyticus (27.2 %), Streptococcus species (14.8 %), and Corynebacterium species (13.6 %). Also, Gemella palaticanis (1.8%), and Schaalia canis (1.3%) which are new to the study area were isolated for the first time in Nigeria. Nearly all the infertile bitches (90.1%) had mixed infections which might be responsible for their illness. Conclusion: Gentamicin was the most effective drug in vitro. Micrococcus species and Escherichia coli exhibited the highest multiple drug resistance. The authors recommend thorough screening of dogs for pathogenic bacteria before breeding.

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