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Abstract
The risk of zoonotic protozoan diseases has increased in recent times through the unregulated breeding of dogs in the neighbourhood of human dwellings. Dogs (341) brought into the seven major (Based on full employment of at least one veterinarian) veterinary clinics in Lokoja, North Central Nigeria (October 2021 to August, 2022) for medical evaluations were enlisted in this study to determine the prevalence and diversity of zoonotic protozoa in the dogs. Faecal and blood samples were screened using modified Ziehl – Neelsen and direct microscopy techniques for the presence of intestinal and blood protozoan oocysts. Out of the faecal and blood samples collected from each of the 341 dogs enlisted in the study, 207 (60.7%) were positive for protozoa. Faecal protozoa had a higher frequency of occurrence; 50.4% (172/341) compared to blood protozoan; 10.3% (35/341).Eimeria histolytica was the most frequently occurring protozoa; 14.4% (49/341), followed by Giardia; 12.0% (41/341) and the least was Babesia; 3.8% (13/341). There was however no significant difference in the prevalence of protozoa and the type of parasite (P = 0.702). Age-specific, prevalence showed that puppies under 1 year had a higher prevalence of protozoa; 84.1% (174/207) compared to the adults; 16.0% (33/207). The relationship was not significant (χ2=3.816; P = 0.702). Local breed of dogs had the highest prevalence of protozoa; 68.2% (137/201), followed by exotic; 60.47% (26/43) and the least was the cross breed, 45.4% (44/97). There is a significant difference in the prevalence of protozoa in local and cross breeds of dogs (P = 0.001). The female dogs had a higher prevalence; 77.0% (117/152) compared to males; 45.5% (86/189). There was an association between prevalence of protozoa and sex of dogs (χ2 = 16.77; P = 0.010).
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References
- Adedoja, A., Oshodi A, Akanbi, A. A. and Babatunde, S. (2015). Prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites in stray and domicile dogs in Ilorin, North Central, Nigeria. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Science. 8(5), 2054-2061.http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v8i5.11
- Adefisan, E. A., and Egiku, J. (2018). Vulnerability Assessment of 2015 Flood in North Central Nigeria Using Integrated Approach of Hydrological Model and GIS. Global Scientific Journal, 6, 262-275.
- Adeiza, M. A. and Nafarnda, D. W. (2020). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in cattle in Lokoja, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. International Journal of Recent Innovations in Academic Research 4(1):49-58.
- Adejinmi J. O and Osayomi, J.O. (2010). Prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites of dogin Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences. Volume 7, (2): 783-788. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Prevalence.
- Alabi, M. O. (2009). Urban sprawl, pattern, and measurement in Lokoja, Nigeria, Theoretical and Empirical Researches in Urban Management 4 (13): 158-164. URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/24872624
- Asanga, E., Usoh, I., Theophilus, J., Ekpenyong, A.and Imaobong, U. (2014). Gastrointestinal Parasites Incidence and Prevalence Rate among Dogs in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Current Research in Microbiology and Biotechnology2:1. 289-291.
- Ballweber, L. R., Xiao, L., Bowman, D. D., Kahn, G. and Cama, V. A. (2010). Giardiasis in dogs and cats:update on epidemiology and public health significance. Trends in Parasitology. 26:180–189
- Benz-Schwarzburg, J., Monsó, S. and Huber, L. (2020). How Dogs Perceive Humans and How Humans Should Treat Their Pet Dogs: Linking Cognition with Ethics. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 3587.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.584037
- Bhattarai, N. R, Van der Auwera, G., Rijal, S., Picado, A., Speybroeck, N., Khanal, B., De Doncker, S., Das, M. L., Ostyn, B., Davies, C., Coosemans, M., Berkvens, D., Boelaert, M. and Dujardin, J. C. (2010). Domestic animals and epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis, Nepal. Emerging and Infectious Diseases. 16:231–237.
- Boozer, A. and Macintire, D. (2003). Canine babesiosis. Veterinary Clinics of North America-small Animal Practice.33(4), 885-904. doi:10.1016/S0195-5616(03)00039-1
- Causape, A. C., Quilez, J., Sanchez-Acedo, C. and Del Cacho, E. (1996). Prevalence of intestinal parasites, including Cryptosporidium parvum, in dogs in Zaragoza city, Spain. Veterinary Parasitology, 67: 161-167.Doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(96)01033-3.
- Deng, P. and Swanson, K. S. (2015). Companion Animals Symposium: Future aspects and Perceptions of companion animal nutrition and sustainability. Journal of Animal Science.93(3), 823-834.doi: 10.2527/jas.2014-8520.
- Dereure, J., El-Safi, S. H., Bucheton, B., Boni, M., Kheir, M. M., Davoust, B., Pratlong, F., Feugier, E., Lambert, M., Dessein, A. and Dedet, J. P. (2003). Visceral leishmaniasis in eastern Sudan:parasite identification in humans and dogs; host-parasite relationships. Microbes and Infection. 5:1103–1108
- Dos Santos, F. B., Gazêta, G. S., Corrêa, L. L., Lobão, L. F., Palmer, J. P. S., Dib, L. V., Damasceno, J. A. L., Moura-Martiniano, N. O., Bastos, O. M. P., Uchôa, C. M. A. and da Silva Barbosa, A. (2021). Microscopic Detection, Haematological Evaluation and Molecular Characterization of Piroplasms from Naturally Infected Dogs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Acta Parasitology.66(4), 1548-1560. doi: 10.1007/s11686-021-00426-z. Epub 2021 Jun 15. PMID: 34129160.
- Esch, K. J. and Petersen, C. A. (2013). Transmission and epidemiology of zoonotic protozoal diseases of companion animals. Clinical Microbiology Review. 26(1):58-85. doi: 10.1128/CMR.00067-12.
- Feng, Y.and Xiao, L. (2011). Zoonotic potential and molecular epidemiology of Giardia species and giardiasis. Clinical Microbiology Review. 24:110–140
- García-Quesada, A., Jiménez-Rocha, A. and Romero-Zuñiga, J. J. and Dolz, G.(2021). Seroprevalence and prevalence of vogeli in clinically healthy dogs and their ticks in Costa Rica. Parasites and Vectors14, 468. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-021-04936-7
- Gramiccia, M. and Gradoni L. (2005). The current status of zoonotic leishmaniases and approaches to disease control. International Journal of Parasitology . 35:1169–1180
- Hamnes, I. S., Gjerde, B. K. and Robertson, L. J. (2007). A longitudinal study on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in dogs during their first year of life. Acta VeterinariaScandinavica, 49(1), 22. doi: 10.1186/1751-0147-49-22.
- Ibrahim, A., Kadle, A. and Yusuf, A. (2016). Gastro-Intestinal Parasites of Camels (Camelusdromedarius) from Mogadishu, Somalia. Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 6, 112- 118. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ojvm.2016.67015
- Innes, E. A., Chalmers, R. M., Wells, B. and Pawlowic, M. C. (2020). A One Health Approach to Tackle Cryptosporidiosis. And Trends Parasitology, 36(3): 290_303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2019.12.016
- Jones, J. L, Dargelas, V., Roberts, J., Press, C., Remington, J. S. and Montoya, J. G. (2009). Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in the United States. Clinical and Infectious Diseases. 49:878–884
- Kjemtrup, A.M., Kocan A.A., Whitworth L., Meinkoth J., Birkenheuer A.J., Cummings J. and Conrad P.A. (2000). There are at least three genetically distinct small piroplasms from dogs. International Journal for Parasitology,30(14), 1501-1505.doi:10.1016/S0020-7519(00)00120-X Mammal Species of the World - Browse: familiaris. (n.d.).
- Lorenzini, G., Tasca, T., Attilio, G.and Carli, De. (2007). Prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats under veterinary care in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science. 44. 137-145. 10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2007.26652.
- Mahmuda, A., Mohammed, A. A., Alayande, M. O., Magaji, A. A., Salihu, M. D., Fabiyi, J. P. and Danmaigoro, A (2012). Seasonal prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes of calves in Sokoto, North-AM, YIH, MSY and NS participated in sampling and western Nigeria. Science Journal of Veterinary Advance, 1 (3): 82-89. https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect
- Mekibib, H. and DejeneSheferaw, D. (2014). Gastrontestinal helminths of scavenging chickens in outskirts of Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia. Global Veterinaria, 12, (4):557–561.DOI:10.5829/idosi.gv.2014.12.04.8354
- Mustapha, F. B., Balami, S. B., Malgwi, S. A., Adamu, S. G. and Wakil, Y. (2016). Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of hunting dogs in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 9(8), 39-42. http://dx.doi.org/10.9790/2380-0908013942
- Nalubamba, S. K., Hankanga, C., Mudenda, B. N. and Masuku, M. (2011). The epidemiology of canine Babesia infections in Zambia. Preventive Veterinary Medicine,99 (2-4): 240-244. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.12.006.
- Okeme, S.S., Kia, G. S. N., Umoh, J. u., (2016). Dog Ecology and the Epidemiological Studies of Canine Rabies: https://www.currentschoolnews.com/current-projects/dog-ecology-and-the-epidemiological-studies-of-canine-rabies-in-lokoja-kogi-state-nigeria/
- Okoye, I. C., Obiezue, N. R., Okorie, C. E. and Ofoezie, I. E. (2011). Epidemiology of intestinal helminth parasites in stray dogs from markets in south-eastern Nigeria. Journal of Helminthology,85(4), 415-420.. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022149x10000738
- Petersen CA. (2009). Leishmaniasis, an emerging disease found in companion animals in the United States. Topical Companion Animal Medicine. 24:182–188
- Raza, A., Rand, J., Qamar, A. G., Jabbar, A. and Kopp, S. (2018). Gastrointestinal parasites in shelter dogs: occurrence, pathology, treatment and risk to shelter workers. Animals, 8(7), 108.doi:10.3390/ani8070108
- Regidor-Cerrillo, J., Arranz-Solís, D., Moreno-Gonzalo, J., Pedraza-Díaz, S., Gomez Bautista, M. Ortega-Mora, L. M. (2020). Prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in stray and farm dogs from Spain. Brazillian Journal of Veterinary Parasitology. 29(3).e014920-e014920doi:10.1590/S1984-29612020063.
- Robertson, I. D., Irwin, P. J., Lymbery, A. J. and Thompson, R.C. A. (2000). The role of companion animals in the emergence of parasitic disease. International Journal of Parasitology, 30: 1369-1377. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0020-7519(00)00134-x
- Saari, S., Näreaho, A. and Nikander, S. (2019). Protozoa. Canine Parasites and Parasitic Diseases, 5–34. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-814112-0.00002-7
- Scaramozzino, P., Andrea, C. A., Lacoponi, F. and Claudio De Liberato. (2018). Endoparasites in household and shelter dogs from Central Italy, International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine, 6:1, 45-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.04.003
- Sebaa, S. Behnke, J. M., Baroudi D., Hakem, A. and Abu-Madi, M. A. (2021). Prevalence and risk factors of Intestinal protozoan infection among symptomatic and asymptomatic populations in rural and urban areas of southern Algeria. BioMed Central Infectious Disease 21, 888; https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12879-021-06615-5
- Siwila, J., Mwaba F., Chidumayo N. and Mubanga, C. (2020). Food and waterborne protozoan parasites: The African perspective, Food and Waterborne Parasitology, Volume 20,e00088,
- Tahvildar-Biderouni, F. and Salehi, N. (2014). Detection of Cryptosporidium infection by modified Ziehl-neelsen and PCR methods in children with diarrheal samples in pediatric hospitals in Tehran. Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench.Spring;7(2):125-30. PMID: 24834304; PMCID: PMC4017569
- Traversa, D., Frangipane di Regalbono, A., Di Cesare, A., La Torre, F., Drake,J. and Pietrobelli, M. (2014). Environmental contamination by canine geohelminths. Parasites and Vectors 7, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-3305-7-67
- Ukoje, J. E. (2016). Impacts of rapid urbanisation in the urban fringe of Lokoja, Nigeria. Journal of Geography and Regional Planning, 9(10), 185 – 194. https://doi.org/10.5897/JGRP2016.0591
- Weina, P. J., Neafie, R. C., Wortmann G., Polhemus, M. and Aronson N. E. (2004). Old World leishmaniasis: an emerging infection among deployed US military and civilian workers. Clinical Infectious Disease 39:1674–80; https://doi.org/10.1086/425747.
References
Adedoja, A., Oshodi A, Akanbi, A. A. and Babatunde, S. (2015). Prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites in stray and domicile dogs in Ilorin, North Central, Nigeria. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Science. 8(5), 2054-2061.http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v8i5.11
Adefisan, E. A., and Egiku, J. (2018). Vulnerability Assessment of 2015 Flood in North Central Nigeria Using Integrated Approach of Hydrological Model and GIS. Global Scientific Journal, 6, 262-275.
Adeiza, M. A. and Nafarnda, D. W. (2020). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in cattle in Lokoja, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. International Journal of Recent Innovations in Academic Research 4(1):49-58.
Adejinmi J. O and Osayomi, J.O. (2010). Prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites of dogin Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences. Volume 7, (2): 783-788. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Prevalence.
Alabi, M. O. (2009). Urban sprawl, pattern, and measurement in Lokoja, Nigeria, Theoretical and Empirical Researches in Urban Management 4 (13): 158-164. URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/24872624
Asanga, E., Usoh, I., Theophilus, J., Ekpenyong, A.and Imaobong, U. (2014). Gastrointestinal Parasites Incidence and Prevalence Rate among Dogs in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Current Research in Microbiology and Biotechnology2:1. 289-291.
Ballweber, L. R., Xiao, L., Bowman, D. D., Kahn, G. and Cama, V. A. (2010). Giardiasis in dogs and cats:update on epidemiology and public health significance. Trends in Parasitology. 26:180–189
Benz-Schwarzburg, J., Monsó, S. and Huber, L. (2020). How Dogs Perceive Humans and How Humans Should Treat Their Pet Dogs: Linking Cognition with Ethics. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 3587.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.584037
Bhattarai, N. R, Van der Auwera, G., Rijal, S., Picado, A., Speybroeck, N., Khanal, B., De Doncker, S., Das, M. L., Ostyn, B., Davies, C., Coosemans, M., Berkvens, D., Boelaert, M. and Dujardin, J. C. (2010). Domestic animals and epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis, Nepal. Emerging and Infectious Diseases. 16:231–237.
Boozer, A. and Macintire, D. (2003). Canine babesiosis. Veterinary Clinics of North America-small Animal Practice.33(4), 885-904. doi:10.1016/S0195-5616(03)00039-1
Causape, A. C., Quilez, J., Sanchez-Acedo, C. and Del Cacho, E. (1996). Prevalence of intestinal parasites, including Cryptosporidium parvum, in dogs in Zaragoza city, Spain. Veterinary Parasitology, 67: 161-167.Doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(96)01033-3.
Deng, P. and Swanson, K. S. (2015). Companion Animals Symposium: Future aspects and Perceptions of companion animal nutrition and sustainability. Journal of Animal Science.93(3), 823-834.doi: 10.2527/jas.2014-8520.
Dereure, J., El-Safi, S. H., Bucheton, B., Boni, M., Kheir, M. M., Davoust, B., Pratlong, F., Feugier, E., Lambert, M., Dessein, A. and Dedet, J. P. (2003). Visceral leishmaniasis in eastern Sudan:parasite identification in humans and dogs; host-parasite relationships. Microbes and Infection. 5:1103–1108
Dos Santos, F. B., Gazêta, G. S., Corrêa, L. L., Lobão, L. F., Palmer, J. P. S., Dib, L. V., Damasceno, J. A. L., Moura-Martiniano, N. O., Bastos, O. M. P., Uchôa, C. M. A. and da Silva Barbosa, A. (2021). Microscopic Detection, Haematological Evaluation and Molecular Characterization of Piroplasms from Naturally Infected Dogs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Acta Parasitology.66(4), 1548-1560. doi: 10.1007/s11686-021-00426-z. Epub 2021 Jun 15. PMID: 34129160.
Esch, K. J. and Petersen, C. A. (2013). Transmission and epidemiology of zoonotic protozoal diseases of companion animals. Clinical Microbiology Review. 26(1):58-85. doi: 10.1128/CMR.00067-12.
Feng, Y.and Xiao, L. (2011). Zoonotic potential and molecular epidemiology of Giardia species and giardiasis. Clinical Microbiology Review. 24:110–140
García-Quesada, A., Jiménez-Rocha, A. and Romero-Zuñiga, J. J. and Dolz, G.(2021). Seroprevalence and prevalence of vogeli in clinically healthy dogs and their ticks in Costa Rica. Parasites and Vectors14, 468. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-021-04936-7
Gramiccia, M. and Gradoni L. (2005). The current status of zoonotic leishmaniases and approaches to disease control. International Journal of Parasitology . 35:1169–1180
Hamnes, I. S., Gjerde, B. K. and Robertson, L. J. (2007). A longitudinal study on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in dogs during their first year of life. Acta VeterinariaScandinavica, 49(1), 22. doi: 10.1186/1751-0147-49-22.
Ibrahim, A., Kadle, A. and Yusuf, A. (2016). Gastro-Intestinal Parasites of Camels (Camelusdromedarius) from Mogadishu, Somalia. Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 6, 112- 118. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ojvm.2016.67015
Innes, E. A., Chalmers, R. M., Wells, B. and Pawlowic, M. C. (2020). A One Health Approach to Tackle Cryptosporidiosis. And Trends Parasitology, 36(3): 290_303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2019.12.016
Jones, J. L, Dargelas, V., Roberts, J., Press, C., Remington, J. S. and Montoya, J. G. (2009). Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in the United States. Clinical and Infectious Diseases. 49:878–884
Kjemtrup, A.M., Kocan A.A., Whitworth L., Meinkoth J., Birkenheuer A.J., Cummings J. and Conrad P.A. (2000). There are at least three genetically distinct small piroplasms from dogs. International Journal for Parasitology,30(14), 1501-1505.doi:10.1016/S0020-7519(00)00120-X Mammal Species of the World - Browse: familiaris. (n.d.).
Lorenzini, G., Tasca, T., Attilio, G.and Carli, De. (2007). Prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats under veterinary care in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science. 44. 137-145. 10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2007.26652.
Mahmuda, A., Mohammed, A. A., Alayande, M. O., Magaji, A. A., Salihu, M. D., Fabiyi, J. P. and Danmaigoro, A (2012). Seasonal prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes of calves in Sokoto, North-AM, YIH, MSY and NS participated in sampling and western Nigeria. Science Journal of Veterinary Advance, 1 (3): 82-89. https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect
Mekibib, H. and DejeneSheferaw, D. (2014). Gastrontestinal helminths of scavenging chickens in outskirts of Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia. Global Veterinaria, 12, (4):557–561.DOI:10.5829/idosi.gv.2014.12.04.8354
Mustapha, F. B., Balami, S. B., Malgwi, S. A., Adamu, S. G. and Wakil, Y. (2016). Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of hunting dogs in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 9(8), 39-42. http://dx.doi.org/10.9790/2380-0908013942
Nalubamba, S. K., Hankanga, C., Mudenda, B. N. and Masuku, M. (2011). The epidemiology of canine Babesia infections in Zambia. Preventive Veterinary Medicine,99 (2-4): 240-244. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.12.006.
Okeme, S.S., Kia, G. S. N., Umoh, J. u., (2016). Dog Ecology and the Epidemiological Studies of Canine Rabies: https://www.currentschoolnews.com/current-projects/dog-ecology-and-the-epidemiological-studies-of-canine-rabies-in-lokoja-kogi-state-nigeria/
Okoye, I. C., Obiezue, N. R., Okorie, C. E. and Ofoezie, I. E. (2011). Epidemiology of intestinal helminth parasites in stray dogs from markets in south-eastern Nigeria. Journal of Helminthology,85(4), 415-420.. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022149x10000738
Petersen CA. (2009). Leishmaniasis, an emerging disease found in companion animals in the United States. Topical Companion Animal Medicine. 24:182–188
Raza, A., Rand, J., Qamar, A. G., Jabbar, A. and Kopp, S. (2018). Gastrointestinal parasites in shelter dogs: occurrence, pathology, treatment and risk to shelter workers. Animals, 8(7), 108.doi:10.3390/ani8070108
Regidor-Cerrillo, J., Arranz-Solís, D., Moreno-Gonzalo, J., Pedraza-Díaz, S., Gomez Bautista, M. Ortega-Mora, L. M. (2020). Prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in stray and farm dogs from Spain. Brazillian Journal of Veterinary Parasitology. 29(3).e014920-e014920doi:10.1590/S1984-29612020063.
Robertson, I. D., Irwin, P. J., Lymbery, A. J. and Thompson, R.C. A. (2000). The role of companion animals in the emergence of parasitic disease. International Journal of Parasitology, 30: 1369-1377. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0020-7519(00)00134-x
Saari, S., Näreaho, A. and Nikander, S. (2019). Protozoa. Canine Parasites and Parasitic Diseases, 5–34. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-814112-0.00002-7
Scaramozzino, P., Andrea, C. A., Lacoponi, F. and Claudio De Liberato. (2018). Endoparasites in household and shelter dogs from Central Italy, International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine, 6:1, 45-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.04.003
Sebaa, S. Behnke, J. M., Baroudi D., Hakem, A. and Abu-Madi, M. A. (2021). Prevalence and risk factors of Intestinal protozoan infection among symptomatic and asymptomatic populations in rural and urban areas of southern Algeria. BioMed Central Infectious Disease 21, 888; https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12879-021-06615-5
Siwila, J., Mwaba F., Chidumayo N. and Mubanga, C. (2020). Food and waterborne protozoan parasites: The African perspective, Food and Waterborne Parasitology, Volume 20,e00088,
Tahvildar-Biderouni, F. and Salehi, N. (2014). Detection of Cryptosporidium infection by modified Ziehl-neelsen and PCR methods in children with diarrheal samples in pediatric hospitals in Tehran. Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench.Spring;7(2):125-30. PMID: 24834304; PMCID: PMC4017569
Traversa, D., Frangipane di Regalbono, A., Di Cesare, A., La Torre, F., Drake,J. and Pietrobelli, M. (2014). Environmental contamination by canine geohelminths. Parasites and Vectors 7, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-3305-7-67
Ukoje, J. E. (2016). Impacts of rapid urbanisation in the urban fringe of Lokoja, Nigeria. Journal of Geography and Regional Planning, 9(10), 185 – 194. https://doi.org/10.5897/JGRP2016.0591
Weina, P. J., Neafie, R. C., Wortmann G., Polhemus, M. and Aronson N. E. (2004). Old World leishmaniasis: an emerging infection among deployed US military and civilian workers. Clinical Infectious Disease 39:1674–80; https://doi.org/10.1086/425747.