Abstract

ABSTRACT
Streptococcus species are common colonisers of urogenital tracts in dogs. While their involvement is becoming evident in clinical infections like feotal abortion and pathology of multiple organs in dogs, there is a paucity of information on the pathogenicity of the organism in apparently healthy dogs in Nigeria. In this study, 154 samples were obtained from 154 apparently healthy fertile and infertile bitches in Lagos State, Nigeria. Using the Lancefield classifications, 14 Streptococcal isolates were found to belong to the pathogenic Group G. Further analysis involving biochemical characterization, Heamolysis on blood agar and antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed all the 14 isolates to be heamolytic Streptococcus canis and their susceptibility pattern. Eight (57.14%) of the isolates were from infertile bitches compared with 6 (42.86%) from fertile bitches. Regular contact of the dog owners with their vaginal discharge may constitute a potential source of higher risk of disease of streptococcal origin of public health importance.

Key words: Key Words: Streptococcus canis; Lancefield Group G; apparently healthy bitches, Public Health risks