Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Aerobic Bacteria from the Vagina of Apparently Healthy and Infertile Bitches in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract Infertility is a major constrain to a successful dog breeding in many developing countries like Nigeria. The aim of this study therefore, was to establish the aerobic microflora of the vagina of Nigerian bitches. Bacteria were isolated and characterized including susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobials. A total of 169 bacteria were isolated; of which 103 (60.9%) were from apparently healthy bitches and 66 (39.1%) from bitches with reproductive anomalies. These include Staphylococcus saprophyticus (27.2%), Streptococcus species (14.8%), and Corynebacterium species (13.6%). Also, Gemella palaticanis (1.8%), and Schaalia canis (1.3%) which are new to the study area were isolated for the first time in Nigeria. Nearly all the infertile bitches (90.1%) had mixed infection which might be responsible for their illness. Gentamicin was the most effective drug. Micrococcus species and Escherichia coli exhibited multiple drug resistance. Thus, screening of dogs for pathogenic bacteria before breeding is recommended.