Myiasis in Dogs in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Abstract

Myiasis is the infestation of tissues of live vertebrate animals and humans with dipterous larvae. In sub-Saharan Africa, Cordylobia anthropohaga and Cordylobia rodhaini are known to be responsible for cutaneous myiasis in animals and humans. Human cases of myiasis, purportedly acquired in Ghana but diagnosed in other countries, have been reported; however, published data on its occurrence in animals in Ghana is unavailable. This study assessed the prevalence of canine myiasis among owned dogs in the Greater Accra region (GAR) of Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Greater Accra region of Ghana, selected for being the region with the highest estimated population density of owned dogs. Physical examination and demographic characteristics of the study dogs were assessed. Management of the dogs was assessed through a questionnaire administered to the dog owners. A total of 392 owned dogs were sampled. Twenty-nine (7.4%) had cutaneous myiasis caused by C. rodhaini. In addition, one (0.2%) of the dogs had intestinal myiasis, with Dermatobia hominis as the offending larvae. Among the breeds of dogs with myiasis, the mongrel was most affected, with 24 (82.8%) out of the 29 cases. The mongrels, majority of which (24; 82.8%) were males, were left to roam freely in the community. Results from this study demonstrate that C. rodhaini and D. hominis are important causes of myiasis in owned dogs in the GAR of Ghana. Dogs could play a role in the spread of myiasis to humans, with its attendant public health implications.

Cutaneous myiasis in cats and dogs: Cases, predisposing conditions and risk factors

“…Thus far, no cases of creeping myiasis have been reported in cats and dogs. Concerning furuncular myiasis, the main risk factor for cats and dogs is prowling, for example, for hunting purposes (Cramer‐Ribeiro et al., 2003; Johnson et al., 2016; Rutland et al., 2017) or, for privately owned subjects, to be kept outdoor in infested areas (Johnson et al., 2016; Rutland et al., 2017). A weakened or ill individual is more likely to be attacked, although healthy animals are also at risk (Verocai et al., 2010).…”

Zoonotic Risks from Domestic Animals in Ghana

“…Dogs and cats serve as pets, biological control agents for rodents, also used in hunting, and/or for security. The population of dogs in urban areas is increasing because of security concerns [13]. Other animals like poultry, pigs, and ruminants are kept largely for commercial purposes.…”

“…A case of human dipylidiasis has been reported in Ghana [31], with infections of this zoonotic parasite rarely encountered worldwide. Dogs have also been implicated in the possible transfer of myiasis to humans, with two species of insects (Cordylobia anthropohaga, and Dermatobia hominis) identified as causative agents of the disease in dogs in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana [13]. Canine transmission of Babesia is also possible as dogs living in proximity to humans have been found to be positive for the pathogen [32].…”

Prevalence, Etiology, and Risk Factors Associated with Occurrence of Canine Cutaneous Myiasis in Kitui County, Kenya

“…Kitui County has semiarid and arid climatic zones with temperatures ranging between 14 °C and 32 °C [14]. is temperature range is ideal for breeding and spread of dipterous larvae associated with CCM [15]. In Kenya, Obanda et al [10] reported a case of traumatic myiasis in wild game eland due to Chrysomia bezziana and Lucilia spp.…”