Comparism of Microscopy and Molecular Diagnosis of Ehrlichia ruminantium in Cattles in Makurdi Benue Nigeria

Introduction: Makurdi, is the capital city of Benue State, the food basket of the Nigeria, the city challenged with Ehrlichia ruminantium of cattle that are responsible for severe losses caused either by negative impact of ticks blood loss or blood related infections, damage to hides and others.

Aim: This study was designed to identify and Characterize Ehrlichia ruminantium of Cattle within Makurdi Nigeria using microscopy and molecular techniques (PCR).

Methodology: Blood sample were collected from a total of 432 cattle of both sexes and analyzed microscopically using thin blood film and DNA examination was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Tick-borne pathogens were identified and characterized by PCR amplification using species specific primer of 16s rRNA for Ehrlichia. Data obtained were analyzed using chi square, t-test and P values at less than 0.05 were considered significantly different.

Results: The result of comparison of prevalence of infection of haeomoparasite using microscopy and PCR revealed that, microscopy was not able to detect Ehrlichia while PCR yielded at percentage of 15%, Ehrlichia prevalence. The percentage of prevalence of haemoparasite was highly detected by PCR than microscopy and this was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Ehrlichia ruminantium in cattle have been seen to be prevalent in Makurdi metropolis and molecular method such as PCR can effectively diagnose the infection.