Azuonwu
This study was aimed at investigating the Potential Pathogenic Bacteria that are associated with Domestic dog faecal matter in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Thus, convenient sampling techniques were explored for sample collection. A total of fifty dog stool samples were collected aseptically into a sterile container, from different locations (Agip estates, Rumuokoro, GRA, Sandfill, PH-Township, RSU lecturersâ?? quarters) within Port Harcourt. A bacteriological analysis was determined using standard microbiological analytical and identification techniques. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Potential pathogens that were isolated from the dogs faecal matter include Escherichia coli (20.0%), Klebsiella species (16.0%), Pseudomonas species (4.0%), Proteus species (28.0%), Bacillus species (4.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.0%), and Streptococcus species (4.0%). However, the research further revealed that proteus species (28.0%), were the most prevalent pathogen, while Bacillus species (4.0%), Pseudomonas species (4.0%), and Streptococcus species (4.0%), were the least prevalent among pet dogs studied locations. The correlation analysis showed that there was a relationship between two variables, and it was significant for two tail values at 0.01 and 0.05 levels respectively. The results from the study strongly suggest that pet dogs carry potential pathogenic organisms in their faecal matter that can serve as a source of infection to the pet owners. These probably poses a community health threat, thus putting the general public at risk of contracting infections if not checked in good time. It is therefore very critical that these pets should be treated and possibly vaccinated frequently, even as their faecal matters should be well disposed to prevent possible zoonotic infection epidemic outbreak in our global communities. Keywords: Zoonotic infection, Epidemic Outbreak, Potential Pathogens, Demotic Dogs, Faecal matter, Poor hygiene. Public Health
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