Prevalence and risk factors associated with Giardia lamblia infection among cattle from Jere local government area of Borno state, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Giardia lamblia infection among cattle in Jere local government area (LGA) of Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. A total of 279 faecal samples were randomly collected from 12 cattle herds of the six wards of Jere LGA. The samples were screened for Giardia lamblia antigens with Copro-antigen Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Risk factors were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate, and multivariable logistic regression. The overall prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection among cattle was 5.7% (95% CI = 3.20, 8.60). Location-specific prevalence of 5.4% (95% CI = 1.1, 9.8), 4.3% (95% CI = 0.0, 10.6), 4.3% (95% CI = 0.0, 10.6), 8.7% (95% CI = 0.0, 21.7), 6.4% (95% CI = 0.0, 14.9) and 8.7% (95% CI = 0.0, 21.7) for Old Maiduguri, Khaddamari, Bale Galtimari, Mashamari, Maimusari and Dusuman wards were respectively detected among the cattle herds. Multivariable logistic regression model revealed that Giardia lamblia positivity among cattle could be strongly predicted by age (Young cattle ≤ 1 year; OR = 32.0; 95% CI = 8.40, 120.13; p < 0.0001). The even spread of the infection among cattle throughout the wards could be described as endemic in Jere LGA suggesting high risk potential for infection of cattle handlers from calves. Therefore, further studies on genetic characterization to determine the incriminating assemblage as well as public enlightenment of cattle handlers on the public health significance of giardiasis in the study area was recommended.