Factors associated with rabies immune status of dogs and anti-rabies vaccination of animal health workers in Kano Metropolis Nigeria

Introduction: Rabies, although a very fatal viral disease, is 100% preventable majorly through vaccination. There is therefore a need to ensure that vaccines induce sufficient antibody titre for protection in vaccinated animals. The purpose of the study was to determine factors that are associate...

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Main Authors: Visa Ibrahim Tyakaray, Junaidu Kabir, George Uzoaga, Grace Sabo Nok Kia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: African Field Epidemiology Network 2024-04-01
Series:Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health
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Online Access:https://www.afenet-journal.net/content/article/7/22/full/
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Summary:Introduction: Rabies, although a very fatal viral disease, is 100% preventable majorly through vaccination. There is therefore a need to ensure that vaccines induce sufficient antibody titre for protection in vaccinated animals. The purpose of the study was to determine factors that are associated with rabies antibody titre in dogs and the vaccination status of health workers in selected veterinary clinics within the Kano metropolis. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study. Using multistage sampling, we obtained sera from 150 apparently healthy dogs in three veterinary clinics. Demeditec Rabies IgG Ab (Dog) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit was used to detect rabies anti-glycoprotein antibodies. A pretested semistructured questionnaire was administered to 121 animal health workers in the selected clinics. Proportions, Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) and 95% Confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: Sixty-seven (57.80%) of 116 vaccinated dogs and 12 (35.30%) of 34 unvaccinated dogs had rabies antibody titre <0.50IU/ml. Independent factors associated with unprotective rabies antibody titre were the interval between vaccination and time of sampling (aOR=2.35; 95%CI: 1.6 to 5.39) and the vaccination status (aOR:5.54; 95%CI: 1.12 - 12.31) of dogs. From the 121 health workers interviewed, 30 (24%) had a complete vaccination history, 20 (17%) had a history of dog bites and 32 (27%) were veterinary doctors. The vaccination status of health workers was significantly associated with having a history of dog bites (aOR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.05 - 0.503) and being a veterinary doctor (aOR: 0.12; 95%CI=0.04 - 0.32). Conclusion: Factors associated with the immune status of dogs were the interval between vaccination and time of sampling and the vaccination status of dogs; while determinants of the vaccination status of animal health workers were the history of dog bites and a cadre of staff. We recommended consistent annual mass rabies vaccination of dogs and conduct of public awareness on the importance of anti-rabies vaccination. All cadres of animal health workers should be sensitized and encouraged to get rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis.
ISSN:2664-2824