Prevalence of Malassezia Pachydermatis in Dogs in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

Lekko, Yusuf Madaki; Mustapha, Muhammad; Ezema, Kingsley Uwakwe; Bukar-Kolo, Yachilla Maryam

doi:10.21608/svu.2025.370407.1376

Prevalence of Malassezia Pachydermatis in Dogs in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

Document Type : Research article

Authors

¹ Department of veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria Maiduguri Nigeria

² Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri

³ Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Maiduguri

10.21608/svu.2025.370407.1376

Abstract

Malassezia Pachydermatis is the predominant commensal yeast species usually found in the skin and mucosa of dogs.The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of Malassezia Pachydermatis and its associated risk factors in Dogs. A total of 210 ear swab samples were randomly collected from dogs. The dogs were categorized based on; sex (male and female), age (dogs from 0-11months were considered puppies, >12 months were considered adult dogs). Samples were inoculated on Saboraud dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol. Samples were air-dried and stained with New methylene blue for 10 min, it was rinsed, dried and viewed under microscope at 40 × magnification. The study had an overall prevalence rate of 63% of malasseizia pachydermatis. The prevalence of malasseizia pachydermatis, was higher in female dogs with 63 (73%) compared to male dogs 69 (56%). The study also revealed adult dogs had higher prevalence of 103(72%) than young dogs 29 (43%). Those with clinical skin condition had higher prevalence of 111 (70%) in comparison to those without clinical skin condition 21 (39%). The strength of association between sex, age and clinical skin condition was compared for malasseizia pachydermatis positivity. The study revealed significant association, with female showing higher prevalence than male (p=0.042). Furthermore, there was a strong association between age group positivity with adult’s dogs showing high prevalence than young (p=0.000). Similarly, dogs with skin condition were significantly more likely to test positive than those without skin condition (p=0.0001).

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