Abstract

Rabies is a zoonotic disease of serious public health significance and has existed since 3000 BC. This study aimed to evaluate the immune responses to rabies vaccinations within the dog population in Jos metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 82 dogs with records of anti-rabies vaccination were purposively selected from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Jos, Plateau State, between October and December 2020. Blood samples were collected from the dog. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was utilised to determine the levels of Rabies virus neutralising antibodies in the serum samples. Results indicated that 79.27% (65/82) of the dog population had Rabies Virus Neutralising Antibody (RVNA) with a Percentage Inhibition (PI) of ≥ 40% and 67.07% (55/82) of the sampled dogs had RVNA with a PI of > 70%, equivalent to 0.5 IU/ml, while 20.73% (17/82) had no RVNA with a PI of < 40%. The analysis of immunity status based on the type of vaccines used showed no significant difference (P> 0.05; χ²=0.6679). Additionally, the frequency of vaccine administration did not indicate a significant increase in immune response (P> 0.05; χ²=0.12). The study identified a positive immune response in the vaccinated dogs. It is recommended that a booster dose of the anti-rabies vaccine be administered to dogs with immune response levels < 70% PI.

Key words: Anti-rabies, Dog, Immune response, Plateau State, Vaccine