Nusirat Elelu

@unilorin.edu.ng

Associate Professor, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Ilorin

https://researchid.co/nusyelelu

EDUCATION

DVM, PhD.

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Veterinary, Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, Infectious Diseases, Health Policy

Scopus Publications

632

Scholar Citations

Scholar h-index

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

Real-time PCR detection of Coxiella burnetii in dairy products in Kwara State, Nigeria: a public health concern
Nusirat Elelu, Nwachukwu Raymond Chinedu, Balkees A. Yakub-Obalowu, Ismail A. Odetokun, and Ahmad I. Al-Mustapha
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Coxiella burnetii is the etiological agent of Q fever in humans, a zoonosis of increasingly important public health concern. The disease results in significant economic losses to livestock farmers and its presence in ready-to-eat dairy products poses a public health threat to consumers. Aim This study aimed to detect Coxiella burnetii in dairy products in Kwara State, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed to estimate the apparent and true prevalence of C. burnetii in dairy cattle in selected local government areas (LGAs) of Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 51 traditional Fulani transhumance farms were sampled across three regions: 27 farms in Ifelodun LGA, 9 in Ilorin East LGA, and 15 in Moro LGA. Four pooled milk samples were collected aseptically from lactating cows on each farm, totaling 204 milk samples. We screened the pathogen using real-time PCR that targeted the IS1111 element in the 51 pooled raw milk samples from selected farms and 18 cheese samples from rural markets within the study area. Results The overall apparent prevalence of C. burnetii in milk and cheese was 18.8%. Both dairy products showed similar prevalence with a relatively higher positivity rate in cheese (22.2%, n = 4/18) than in raw milk samples (17.6%, n = 9/51). There were significant differences in the burden of C. burnetii in milk between the three LGAs with higher prevalence in Moro LGA (p < 0.05). Conclusions The presence of C. burnetii in dairy products poses a direct risk of milk-borne zoonotic disease transmission to humans. Public education for the stakeholders in the dairy value chain should be intensified and the public should desist from consumption of unpasteurized milk. More molecular studies are needed to further study and characterize the C. burnetii genotypes in Nigeria.

Risk perception, seroprevalence, and real-time PCR detection of Brucella among pyretic patients and domestic animals in Kwara State, Nigeria
Nusirat Elelu, Bilqees A. Yakub-Obalowu, Nwachukwu Raymond Chinedu, Ismail A. Odetokun, and Ahmad I. Al-Mustapha
Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Prospects for dog rabies elimination in Nigeria by 2030
Ahmed Tijani Abubakar, Ahmad Ibrahim Al‐Mustapha, Muftau Oyewo, Ahmed Ibrahim, Ibrahim Abdulrahim, Jimoh Muhammad Yakub, Nusirat Elelu, Patrick Nguku, Muhammad Shakir Balogun, Emmanuel Jolaoluwa Awosanya,et al.
Wiley
AbstractThe attainment of the global target of zero dog‐mediated human rabies by 2030 depends on functional rabies programmes. Nigeria, a rabies‐endemic country, and the most populous country in Africa has a very poor rabies control strategy with a score of 1.5 out of 5 based on the Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination (SARE). In this article, we report a scoping review that we conducted to highlight the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as well as situational analysis of rabies control in Nigeria and suggest a timeline for key activities that are needed to ensure zero by 30. Our findings reveal that rabies is grossly under‐reported as only 998 human and 273 dog‐suspected rabies cases were reported across Nigeria between 2017 and 2022. Our literature review also demonstrates a paucity of information on rabies in both human and animal health sectors. A total of 49 studies on dog rabies in Nigeria, with a predominance of reports from the North Central geopolitical region (48%, n = 23) were therefore included in this study. Currently, only 16.2% (n = 6/37) of Nigerian states have available data related to the estimated dog populations, the dog ownership rates, the vaccination status of dogs or the incidence of dog bites. Based on a dog‐to‐human ratio of 1:16.3, we estimated that the dog population in Nigeria was 12,969,368 (95% CI: 12,320,900‐13,617,836). Thus, to attain herd immunity and dog rabies control in Nigeria, at least 9.1 million dogs must be vaccinated annually. Our review reveals that, despite the strengths and available opportunities to achieve rabies control in Nigeria by 2030, the weaknesses and challenges will make the attainment of zero by 30 very difficult or impossible. Nigeria's best‐case scenario by the year 2030 is SARE stage 3–4 (control–elimination) out of 5. Otherwise, the rabies control programme might not surpass SARE stages 2–3. To attain zero by 30, Nigeria must re‐strategize its current rabies control programme by funding and implementing the national strategic plan for rabies control, creating a rabies desk office in the 37 states (FCT inclusive), rigorously conducting mass vaccination campaigns, providing post‐exposure prophylaxis, prioritizing mass enlightenment with a focus on responsible pet ownership and conduct baseline national rabies surveillance in the animal and human health sectors.

TheIntensityofInfectionandPublicHealthPerception of Potentially Zoonotic Intestinal Parasites of Dogs in Kwara Central, Nigeria
Shola David Ola-Fadunsin, , Aminat Bisola Abdulrauf, Isau Aremu Ganiyu, Karimat Hussain, Hauwa Motunrayo Ambali, Nusirat Elelu, , , ,et al.
Negah Scientific Publisher
Background: The close relationship between dogs and humans and the possibility of intestinal parasite transmission from dogs to humans calls for frequent assessment of these potential zoonotic intestinal parasites in dogs and the possibility of their transmission to humans. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the presence, intensity of infection, and public health perception of potentially zoonotic intestinal parasites in dogs of Kwara Central, Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted in 28 locations in Kwara Central Senatorial District of Kwara State, Nigeria. Three hundred and five healthy dogs were sampled. Two hundred and thirty respondents (dog owners or handlers) were questioned using a well-structured questionnaire containing open-ended and closed-ended questions. Fecal samples from the sampled dogs were subjected to the direct fecal smear technique, simple fecal centrifugation flotation technique, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, and the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Oocysts or eggs per gram of feces were counted using the modified McMaster technique. Results: Seven different intestinal parasites (Ancylostoma spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Dipylidium caninum, Isospora spp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Toxocara spp., and Uncinaria stenocephala) were detected, with a prevalence ranging from 2.30% to 25.25%. Of these parasites, 6 were zoonotic. The mean intensities of infection were 91.43 eggs per gram (EPG) for D. caninum¸ 96.52 EPG for S. stercoralis, 129.36 ±28.12 oocysts per gram (OPG) for Isospora spp., 165.17±19.88 for Toxocara spp., 240.00±44.42 for EPG for U. stenocephala, and 303.64±31.83 EPG for Ancylostoma spp. Some dog owners and handlers were not cautious about possible zoonotic parasite transmission from dogs. Conclusion: Zoonotic intestinal parasites of dogs are present and prevalent in Kwara Central, Nigeria. There is a need to educate the public on the possibility of zoonotic parasite transmission to humans.

Comparative Analysis of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Spirochaetes from Ethiopia and Nigeria
Adefolake A. Bankole, Bersissa Kumsa, Gezahegne Mamo, Ndudim I. Ogo, Nusirat Elelu, Winston Morgan, and Sally J. Cutler
MDPI AG
Despite increasing reports of tick-borne diseases in Africa, remarkably, reports of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) in Nigeria are lacking. Ornithodoros savignyi from Nigeria have been reported with the relapsing fever Candidatus Borrelia kalaharica. Conversely, in Ethiopia, the agent of relapsing fever is the louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) spirochaete Borrelia recurrentis with no TBRF reported to occur. A total of 389 Ornithodoros ticks, Ethiopia (N = 312) and Nigeria (N = 77), were sampled, together with 350 cattle, and 200 goat sera were collected from Nigeria. Samples were screened for Borrelia spp. by RT-PCR. Reactive samples were confirmed, then sequenced using flagellin B, 16S rRNA, and 16S–23S intergenic spacer region. The prevalence of Borrelia spp. in livestock was 3.8% (21/550) and 14% (3/21) after final molecular confirmation. Of 312 ticks from Ethiopia, 3.5% (11/312) were positive for Borrelia, with 36% (4/11) by conventional PCR. Sequencing revealed that the borreliae in soft ticks was C. B. kalaharica, whilst that found in animals was Borrelia theileri. Soft ticks were confirmed by sequencing 7% (22/312) and 12% (9/77) of the Ethiopian and Nigerian ticks, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these were Ornithodoros savignyi. This is the first evidence of C. B. kalaharica in Ethiopia and demonstrates the co-existence of TBRF in a country endemic to LBRF. Important, this might cause a diagnostic challenge given that LBRF is predominantly diagnosed by microscopy, which cannot differentiate these two spirochaetes. Furthermore, we report B. theileri in ruminants in Nigeria, which may also be of veterinary and economic importance.

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey on knowledge of anti-protozoal drug use and resistance among AHPs in Kwara State, Nigeria
Nusirat Elelu, Grace Agene, Fatima Sanusi, and Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Mustapha
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
AbstractAntimicrobial resistance is a global public health crisis. However, there is a paucity of data on anti-protozoal resistance (APR), especially in animals. Hence, we assessed the knowledge of prudent antiprotozoal drug usage (APU) and resistance among animal health practitioners (AHPs) in Kwara State, Nigeria.A cross-sectional survey of 435 AHPs was performed in Kwara State from the 5th of March to the 31st of July 2020 using a structured and validated questionnaire. We used logistic regression analysis to identify socio-demographic factors that are associated with the satisfactory perception of prudent APU and good knowledge of APR among AHPs.Our findings showed that 80.2% (n = 349) of the AHPs in Kwara state had a good knowledge of APR with a mean knowledge score of 5.8 ± 1.2. In the same vein, 75.6% (n = 329) of the AHPs had a satisfactory perception of prudent APU with a mean score of 3.84 ± 1.21. Only 10.1% of the AHPs had observed treatment failures after the use of anti-protozoal drugs. Most of the AHPs (75.6%) believed that APR poses a significant threat to animal production and health globally. Logistic regression analysis showed that female AHPs were more likely (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 0.91, 5.20; p < 0.005) to have better knowledge of APR than their male counterparts. AHPs with tertiary education were likely (OR: 2.77; 95% CI: 0.96, 4.99; p < 0.05) to be more knowledgeable about APR and have satisfactory perceptions of APU (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.99; p = 0.07) respectively. Finally, veterinarians were 3.76 times (95% CI:1.26, 9.25; p < 0.001) more likely to have good knowledge of APR and better perceptions of APU (OR: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.89, 5.68; p < 0.001) than other AHPs respectively.To control antimicrobial resistance, continuous training of AHPs especially para-veterinary officers is essential to update their knowledge on prudent antimicrobial usage and prevent the emergence of resistant protozoan parasites.

Community-level survey of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive measures in Kwara State, Nigeria: good knowledge vs poor attitude
Nusirat Elelu, Olaolu Bilewu, Fatima Sanusi, and Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Mustapha
Elsevier BV

A national survey of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Nigeria
Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, Ochulor Okechukwu, Ademola Olayinka, Oyeniyi Rasheed Muhammed, Muftau Oyewo, Samuel A. Owoicho, Ahmed Tijani Abubakar, Abdulsalam Olabisi, Aliyu Jibril, Simon Ereh,et al.
Elsevier BV

Perception of canine rabies among pupils under 15 years in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria
Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, Folashade O. Bamidele, Ahmed Tijani Abubakar, Ahmed Ibrahim, Muftau Oyewo, Ibrahim Abdulrahim, Jimoh Muhammad Yakub, Idris A. Olanrewaju, Nusirat Elelu, Andy Gibson,et al.
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Rabies is an endemic, highly fatal, and vaccine-preventable disease with severe socio-economic implications. Most (99%) human rabies cases are transmitted through dog bites. Children under 15 years account for 40% of all dog bite victims and 35–50% of all rabies deaths. Rabies awareness among this vulnerable group is critical to rabies prevention. However, there is a paucity of data on rabies awareness among pupils under 15. Hence, this study assessed the awareness and attitude of pupils under 15 years towards canine rabies in Kwara state in Nigeria. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey of 1,388 pupils across the state using a structured questionnaire that was administered as a one-on-one interview using the Open Data Kit on Android phones in December 2019. Of the 1388 pupils included in this study, only 21.7% (n = 301) of them were aware of rabies. The mean rabies score was 1.7±0.8 and only 29.2% (n = 88/301) of the pupils had adequate knowledge of canine rabies. The dog ownership rate was 18.7% (n = 259) with an average of 1.93 dogs per household. Approximately 5% (n = 66) of the pupils have been previously bitten by a dog. One-third of the dog bite victims (35%, n = 23/66) were managed and treated at home and only 12% (n = 8/66) were treated in a health facility. The result of the multivariable logistic regression showed that students aged between 13–15 years were more likely (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 0.72–3.01; p < 0.001) to have adequate knowledge of rabies than the younger pupils. Similarly, pupils that have dogs in their households (OR: 2.09; 95%CI: 1.49–2.75; p < 0.001) and those that reside in Kwara South (OR:1.78 95% CI:1.29, 2.44; p < 0.001) were more likely to be aware and have adequate knowledge of canine rabies respectively. Finally, Pupils from non-dog-owning households were more likely (OR:2.2; 95% CI: 1.45, 4.42; p < 0.001) to have been bitten by dogs than those from dog-owning households. The awareness and attitude of pupils under 15 to canine rabies was poor. We advocate the introduction of rabies lessons into the school curriculum in Kwara State to reduce the incidence of dog bites and prevent dog-mediated human rabies.

Community engagement; the master key to preventing Nigeria’s obvious pandemic fatigue and the next COVID-19 wave
Oluwaseun Adeolu Ogundijo, Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, Ahmed Tijani Abubakar, Abubakar Musa Imam, Folashade Bamidele, and Nusirat Elelu
SAGE Publications
The index case of COVID-19 in Nigeria was in February 2020. The pandemic has resulted in severe social, economic, and public health challenge in Nigeria. Nigeria has experienced pandemic fatigue (PF) characterized by its low testing capacity, poor public adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, and the urge to return to normal. This viewpoint examines Nigeria’s obvious PF amongst Nigerians and believed that community engagement would be a master key to reducing Nigeria’s PF and preventing another wave of the pandemic in Nigeria. Community engagement (CE) is a viable way for monitoring the spread of the SARS-CoV-2. CE is cost-effective, improves the chances of people voluntarily presenting themselves for COVID-19 testing at the grass-root level, and could halt the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria especially with the detection of the delta and omicron variants in Nigeria.

Public Health Surveillance for Adverse Events Following COVID-19 Vaccination in Africa
AbdulAzeez Adeyemi Anjorin, Ismail A. Odetokun, Jean Baptiste Nyandwi, Hager Elnadi, Kwame Sherrif Awiagah, Joseph Eyedo, Ajibola Ibraheem Abioye, George Gachara, Aala MohmedOsman Maisara, Youssef Razouqi,et al.
MDPI AG
Local, national, and international health agencies have advocated multi-pronged public health strategies to limit infections and prevent deaths. The availability of safe and effective vaccines is critical in the control of a pandemic. Several adverse events have been reported globally following reception of different vaccines, with limited or no data from Africa. This cross-sectional epidemiological study investigated adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in Africans from April–June, 2021 using a structured online questionnaire. Out of 1200 participants recruited, a total of 80.8% (n = 969) respondents from 35 countries, including 22 African countries and 13 countries where Africans live in the diaspora, reported adverse events. Over half of the vaccinees were male (53.0%) and frontline healthcare workers (55.7%), respectively. A total of 15.6% (n = 151) reported previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2, while about one-fourth, 24.8% (n = 240), reported different underlying health conditions prior to vaccination. Fatal cases were 5.1% (n = 49), while other significant heterogenous events were reported in three categories: very common, common, and uncommon, with the latter including enlarged lymph nodes 2.4% (n = 23), menstrual disorder 0.5% (n = 5), and increased libido 0.2% (n = 2). The study provided useful data for concerned authorities and institutions to prepare plans that will address issues related to COVID-19 vaccines.

Molecular characterisation of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks from domestic dogs in Nigeria
N. Elelu, A. A. Bankole, H. P. Daphne, M. Rabiu, S. D. Ola‐Fadunsin, H. M. Ambali, and S. J. Cutler
Wiley
AbstractRhipicephalus sanguineus is the most widely reported tick in the world. Molecular characterisation is important to verify its taxonomic status in the different parts of the world. In this study, we provide information on the molecular characterisation of R. sanguineus tick of dogs collected from Nigeria. Ticks were collected from 62 of 93 sampled dogs. The collected ticks were subjected to morphological identification with the aid of appropriate entomological keys. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from the most prevalent tick species (R. sanguineus) and was subjected to further molecular characterisation protocols. The partial mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequences (∼300 bp) were obtained from representative specimens. Data were statistically analysed using the chi‐square (χ2) test. Phylogenetic analysis was performed including different lineages of R. sanguineus (sl) from Africa, Asia, Europe and America, and other species belonging to the R. sanguineus ‘tropical lineage’ (R. linnaei) as well as Rhipicephalus turanicus and Ixodes ricinus. Results of this study showed that R. sanguineus was the most abundant ticks of dogs with a prevalence of 61.8% (68/110; 95% CI = 52.5–70.54), followed by Amblyomma variegatum (20.0%) and Haemaphysalis leachi (18.2%). The molecular analysis shows that they are genetically different from the temperate strains but closely related to those from other West African countries. There is a need to establish the vector competence of this common Nigerian dog tick.

Prevalence of tick infestation and molecular characterization of spotted fever Rickettsia massiliae in Rhipicephalus species parasitizing domestic small ruminants in north-central Nigeria
Nusirat Elelu, Shola David Ola-Fadunsin, Adefolake Ayinke Bankole, Mashood Abiola Raji, Ndudim Isaac Ogo, and Sally Jane Cutler
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Ticks are of great menace to animal and human health. They serve as vectors to both animals and human pathogens including Rickettsia species. Tick-borne rickettsiosis in West Africa remains incompletely understood. We determined the prevalence of tick infestation among small ruminants and molecularly described a clinically significant spotted fever Rickettsia massiliae from Rhipicephalus ticks collected from North-Central, Nigeria. A total of 352 small ruminants comprising of 152 sheep and 200 goats that were brought for slaughter at the major small ruminant slaughterhouse in Ilorin were examined for the presence of ticks. The collected Rhipicephalus species were subjected to molecular studies to detect and characterize Rickettsia massiliae. Of the small ruminants examined, 21 sheep and 46 goats were infested with ticks representing 13.82% and 23.00% respectively. Eight and nine different species of ticks were detected in sheep and goats respectively, with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus being the most prevalent tick species in both sheep and goats. There was a significant difference (p <0.01) in the prevalence of the different tick species collected in sheep and in goats. Based on the PCR amplification of the 23S-5S intergenic spacer (IGS), only 2 of the 142 Rhipicephalus tick samples screened for R. massiliae were positive (1.41%; 95% CI = 0.39–4.99). Rickettsia massiliae was detected from Rhipicephalus turanicus collected from sheep. Sequences obtained from the PCR carried out by amplifying Rickettsia 23S-5S IGS showed 99–100% close identity with members of the R. massiliae group. This study has for the first time confirmed the presence of spotted fever group Rickettsia massiliae from feeding ticks in Nigerian small ruminants. Further investigations to determine the possible pathogenic role of human R. massiliae infection in Nigeria would be beneficial.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics of COVID-19 Vaccine Recipients in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria
Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, Musa Imam Abubakar, Muftau Oyewo, Rita Enyam Esighetti, Oluwaseun Adeolu Ogundijo, Lukman Dele Bolanle, Oluwatosin Enoch Fakayode, Abdullateef Saliman Olugbon, Michael Oguntoye, and Nusirat Elelu
Frontiers Media SA
Understanding key socio-demographic variables of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine recipients is crucial to improving its acceptance and Nigeria's COVID-19 control strategy. The survey was conducted as a non-probability cross-sectional survey of 2,936 COVID-19 vaccine recipients in Kwara State. Our findings revealed that 74% (n = 2,161) of the vaccine recipients were older than 40 years. Forty percent (n = 1,180) of the vaccine recipients earned a monthly income &gt;100,000 Naira (equivalent to US $200). Most of the vaccine recipients (64%, n = 1,880) had tertiary education, while 15% (n = 440) of them had no formal education. Almost half of the recipients (47%, n = 1,262) were government employees and 28.8% (n = 846) of them had health-related backgrounds. Only 17% (n = 499) of the vaccine recipients have been screened for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), of which 21% (n = 105/499) of them were tested positive. Only 47% (n = 1,378) had been fully immunized. The prevalence of confirmed COVID-19 cases among COVID-19 vaccine recipients in Kwara State was 3.6% (n = 105/2,936). The most recurrent adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) among vaccine recipients were fever (14%, n = 411), pain at injection site (47%, n = 1,409), headache (19%, n = 558), and body weakness (9%, n = 264). The need to protect themselves from the deadly virus was the main reason that prompted people to voluntarily accept the COVID-19 vaccine. There is a high level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among respondents across all social classes including those with no formal education, those with very low monthly income (&lt; US $2 per day), and in untested population. Hence, vaccine donors should prioritize equitable distribution to Low-and-Middle-income Countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria, and health authorities should improve vaccine advocacy to focus on vaccine safety and efficacy.

Epidemiology and public health implications of parasitic contamination of fruits, vegetables, and water in Kwara Central, Nigeria
S. Ola-Fadunsin, A. O. Adebanjo, D. A. Abdullah, K. Hussain, I. Sanda, Musa Rabiu, I. Ganiyu, N. Elelu, J. Aiyedun and O. Oludairo

Fruits and vegetables are sources of parasitic infections in humans. This study was designed to determine the epidemiology of parasitic contamination of fruits, vegetables, and water, as well as the perception of retailers, buyers, and consumers about its contamination in Kwara Central, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was employed for this study. A total of 160 fruits, 349 vegetables, and 51 water samples were randomly purchased/collected from thirty different markets. The samples were subjected to sedimentation and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques. All the types of fruits and vegetables sampled were contaminated with one or more parasites. Eleven different species of zoonotic parasites (6 protozoans and 5 helminths) were detected. Entamoeba coli (39.8%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (9.6%) were the most prevalent protozoan and helminth respectively. The prevalence of other protozoan parasites ranged between 21.3% (Entamoeba histolytica) and 2.3% (Balantidium coli), while that of helminths was between 5.7% (Ascaris lumbricoides) and 2.1% (Trichuris trichiura). Source of fruits and vegetables, source of manure for cultivation, the source of water for washing/wetting purpose, market type, washing of fruits and vegetables before display, the presence of children at home and in the market, and knowledge of parasitic contamination were the risk factors associated (P<0.05) with parasitic contamination of fruits and vegetables among sellers. There is a need to educate the general public on the possibilities of parasitic contamination of fruits and vegetables and its public health implications.

Knowledge, risk perception, and prevention preparedness towards COVID-19 among a cross-section of animal health professionals in Nigeria
Ismail Ayoade Odetokun, Nma Bida Alhaji, Uduak Akpabio, Madinat Abimbola Abdulkareem, Gladys Taye Bilat, Deepak Subedi, Ibrahim Ghali-Mohammed, and Nusirat Elelu
Pan African Medical Journal
Introduction the on-going COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has imposed serious public health and economic threats on the entire world population. The SARS-CoV-2 has been identified from both domestic and wild animals constituting a threat to humans since most apparently healthy animals may potentially infect and cause the disease in humans, especially Animal Health Professionals (AHPs) who come directly in contact with animals. These professionals such as veterinarians play important roles among the One Health team in controlling the pandemic. This survey was conducted to assess the knowledge, risk perception, and prevention behaviors of AHPs in Nigeria who are important personnel in the control of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and infectious diseases. Methods an online-based epidemiological cross-sectional pre-tested questionnaire survey was carried out from April to May 2020. A total of 427 AHPs joined this survey. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression model were used to analyze the data collected. Results the respondents have a mean knowledge score of 7.34 ± 2.05 (from a total possible score of 11) with the majority (66.7%, n = 285) having satisfactory knowledge scores on COVID-19. A high proportion (240/353) of respondents reported bats to be the major wildlife incriminated in the transmission of the COVID-19 virus though other animals reported were tiger, monkey, lion, and pangolin. At least, a quarter 131 (30.7%) of respondents perceived that visiting live animal markets is of high zoonotic risk to the spread of coronavirus. Most respondents reported hands washing and sanitizing after handling animals, and using personal protective equipment when handling suspected animals. At p<0.05; respondents' age, marital status, professional status, and geopolitical zone were significantly linked with satisfactory knowledge. Veterinarians (OR=0.40; 95%CI: 0.22–0.75) were thrice less likely to possess unsatisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 than laboratory technologists. Conclusion participants in this survey have a satisfactory level of COVID-19 knowledge and good mitigation measures instituted while working at their stations. However, AHPs need more enlightenment about the various zoonotic risk pathway contributing to the transmission of COVID-19.

A Mix and Match Approach to COVID-19 Vaccinations: Does Nigeria Have a Choice?
Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, Muftau Oyewo, Abdullateef Saliman Olugbon, and Nusirat Elelu
Frontiers Media SA

Nigeria’S Race To Zero Covid-19 Cases: True Disease Burden Or Testing Failure?
Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, Abubakar Ahmed Tijani, Muftau Oyewo, Ahmed Ibrahim, Nusirat Elelu, Oluwaseun Adeolu Ogundijo, Emmanuel Awosanya, Annamari Heikinheimo, and Victoria Olusola Adetunji
International Global Health Society
www.jogh.org • doi: 10.7189/jogh.11.03094 1 2021 • Vol. 11 • 03094 The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by a novel member of the beta coronaviruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a global public health hazard [1]. Since Nigeria’s index case on the 27 February 2020, the country has tested 1 818 957 persons, recorded 163 195 confirmed cases and 2058 deaths as of 31 March 2021 [2]. The positivity rate among the tested population was 9.0% and the case fatality rate was 1.3%. In April 2020, the Nigerian Government, through the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), activated its national Incident Control Center (ICC), the Surveillance and Outbreak Response Management System (SORMAS), and the mobile strengthening epidemic response system (mSers) amongst others for national coordination, surveillance and reporting of COVID-19 cases in the country [3].

Serospatial epidemiology of zoonotic Coxiella burnetii in a cross section of cattle and small ruminants in northern Nigeria
Nusirat Elelu, Adefolake Ayinke Bankole, Ramat Jummai Musa, Ismail Ayoade Odetokun, Musa Rabiu, Khalid Talha Biobaku, Abdulfatai Aremu, Akeem Olayiwola Ahmed, Mohammed Ibraheem Ghali, Mashood Abiola Raji,et al.
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
The persistent and highly transmissible Coxiella burnetii is a neglected infection that negatively affects reproductive parameters of livestock. It is also of zoonotic importance and has been reported to cause devastating human infections globally. Domestic ruminants represent the most frequent source of human infection. Data from Nigeria are very few and outdated. There is a significant gap in up-to-date information on the exposure, spatial distribution and risk factors of infection of this important disease. The exposure to C. burnetii was determined using sensitive serological assays in cattle and small ruminants. A total of 538 animals made up of 268 cattle and 270 small ruminants were sampled from three northern Nigerian states. The proportion of cattle sampled that were seropositive from the study locations were: Kwara 14/90 (15.6%; 95% CI: 8.8–24.7); Plateau 10/106 (9.43%; 95% CI: 4.6–16.7) and Borno 4/72 (5.56%; 95% CI: 1.5–13.6) states. Lower seroprevalence was recorded among the small ruminants sampled, with positives recorded from sheep and goat sampled from only Kwara state 6/184 (3.3%; 95% CI: 1.2–7.0); while none of the small ruminants sampled from Plateau were seropositive. The results of the bivariate analysis showed that none of the tested independent variables (village, age group, sex, breed of cattle, presence of ticks, reproductive status, and management system) were statistically significant factors associated with seropositivity of cattle for antibodies to C. burnetii. Stakeholders involved in animal husbandry should be duly educated on proper disposal of birth products as well as bodily fluids in order to reduce environmental contamination, persistence and human infection.

PCR detection of Ehrlichia ruminantium and Babesia bigemina in cattle from Kwara State, Nigeria: unexpected absence of infection
Elkie Hector, Nusirat Elelu, Joana Ferrolho, Joana Couto, Gustavo Sanches, Sandra Antunes, Ana Domingos, and Mark Eisler
Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Gastrointestinal helminths of intensively managed poultry in Kwara Central, Kwara State, Nigeria: Its diversity, prevalence, intensity, and risk factors
Shola David Ola-Fadunsin, Patricia Isioma Uwabujo, Idiat Modupe Sanda, Isau Aremu Ganiyu, Karimat Hussain, Musa Rabiu, Nusirat Elelu, and Musbau Olayinka Alayande
Veterinary World
Aim: Helminth infections inflict negatively on the production and well-being of animals including poultry. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, species diversity, intensity, and risk factors associated with the gastrointestinal helminths of intensively raised poultry in Kwara Central senatorial district of Kwara State. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 502 poultry species from 15 farms. The samples were subjected to floatation and the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration techniques of examination. The intensity of infections was determined using McMaster counting technique. Results: Seven helminth species were detected with Heterakis gallinarum (10.2%) and Ascaridia galli (6.0%) been the most prevalent, while Capillaria species was the least prevalent (0.8%). Physiological status, bird type, production purpose, farm age (years), presence of other animals in the farm, flock size (birds), farm size (acres), housing type, farm type, frequency of anthelmintic use, distance to waste area (meters), level of biosecurity, and frequency of cleaning the pen were the risk factors significantly (p<0.05) associated with the presence of helminth infections. Conclusion: This study shows that helminth infections are endemic in the study area, as 66.7% of the sampled farms were infected with one or more helminth species. Findings from this study provide information that will assist in improving the poultry sector in Kwara State, Nigeria in general, for better production and profitability.

Neglected zoonotic diseases in nigeria: Role of the public health veterinarian
Nusirat Elelu, Julius Olaniyi Aiyedun, Ibraheem Ghali Mohammed, Oladapo Oyedeji Oludairo, Ismail Ayoade Odetokun, Kaltume Mamman Mohammed, James Olaniyi Bale, and Saka Nuru
Pan African Medical Journal
Zoonotic diseases accounts for about 75% of emerging infectious disease and can be devastating to both human and animal health globally. A subset of zoonotic diseases is referred to as “neglected zoonotic diseases - NZDs” as they mainly affect poor populations who live in close proximity to domestic or wild animals often in areas where access to health and adequate sanitary facilities are not available. Furthermore, underestimation of the burden of NZD has continually led to its further neglect in least developed countries such as Nigeria. Controlling zoonotic infections including NZDs in animals is crucial in reducing human infections. Veterinarians provides an understanding of the epidemiology of infectious diseases in animal population and are therefore integral for the overall reduction in global burden of NZDs worldwide. Due to the current lack of and in some cases weak involvement of Veterinarians in policy issues related to zoonotic diseases, there is need to elucidate their importance in NZDs control in Nigeria. This review therefore summarises the neglected zoonotic diseases so far documented in Nigeria and also highlight the important role of the Veterinarian in their prevention and control within both human and animal population. Important recommendations to strengthen the role of the public health Veterinarian for sustainable control of NZDs were made.

Tick-borne relapsing fever as a potential veterinary medical problem
Nusirat Elelu
Wiley
AbstractTick‐borne relapsing fever (TBRF) caused by the bacteria Borrelia, is poorly documented in veterinary medicine. Given the widespread presence of the soft tick vectors – Ornithodoros and the recently discovered hard tick vectors, as well as their close association with animal hosts, it is highly likely that infection occurs, but is rarely reported to be of veterinary importance. Sporadic reports of canine infection, some being fatal through to probable cause of abortion in horses have been published. Some of these pathogens exist in regions where there are limited diagnostic facilities, hence, they are likely to be missed and their impact on productivity may be unquantified. Here we review available literatures on cases of TBRF in domestic and wild animals in order to show their potential veterinary medical impact. Future efforts using field and laboratory surveys are needed to determine pathogenesis, vector competence and distribution in animals, their impact on animal health and productivity as well as to prevent further spill to the human population, where it is already a public health problem in some parts of the world.

Ornithodoros savignyi, the tick vector of “candidatus borrelia kalaharica” in Nigeria
Sally J. Cutler, Jibrin M. Idris, Akeem O. Ahmed, and Nusirat Elelu
American Society for Microbiology
Endemic tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) has not been documented in Nigeria, yet clinically compatible cases have been described, and soft tick species are endemic in surrounding countries. Consequently, our aim was to investigate if TBRF-associated Borrelia is present in Nigeria.

A review of bovine fasciolosis and other trematode infections in Nigeria
N. Elelu and M.C. Eisler
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
AbstractTrematode infections cause serious economic losses to livestock worldwide. Global production losses due to fasciolosis alone exceed US$3 billion annually. Many trematode infections are also zoonotic and thus a public health concern. The World Health Organization has estimated that about 56 million people worldwide are infected by at least one zoonotic trematode species, and up to 750 million people are at risk of infection. Fasciolosis caused by the flukeFasciola giganticais endemic in Nigeria and is one of the most common causes of liver condemnation in abattoirs. Total cattle losses fromFasciolainfection in Nigeria have been estimated to cost £32.5 million. Other trematode infections of cattle, including paramphistomosis, dicrocoeliasis and schistosomiasis, have all been reported in various parts of Nigeria, with varying prevalence. Most publications on trematode infections are limited to Nigerian local and national journals, with very few international reports. This paper therefore summarized the current data on distribution, control and zoonotic trematode infections in Nigeria and other African countries. We also identified research gaps and made recommendations for future research and areas for funding for policy/planning.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Real-time PCR detection of Coxiella burnetii in dairy products in Kwara State, Nigeria: a public health concern
N Elelu, NR Chinedu, BA Yakub-Obalowu, IA Odetokun, AI Al-Mustapha
BMC Veterinary Research 21 (1), 8 2025

Prospects for dog rabies elimination in Nigeria by 2030
AT Abubakar, AI Al‐Mustapha, M Oyewo, A Ibrahim, I Abdulrahim, ...
Zoonoses and Public Health 71 (1), 1-17 2024

A cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 testing status among vaccine recipients in Gombe, North-Eastern Nigeria
NA Sikiru, AI Al-Mustapha, M Oyewo, BS Sani, A Habibah, MM Alikinla, ...
2023

Molecular Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodid Ticks Infesting White Fulani Cattle in Zaria and its Environs, Kaduna State, Nigeria
M Rabiu, AJ Natala, OO Okubanjo, R David, SD Ola-Fadunsin, K Hussain, ...
Sahel Journal of Veterinary Sciences 20 (2), 1-7 2023

Serological survey of Brucella infection in horses in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria
AY Baba, SNA Shehu, AKB Sackey, EC Okolocha, BY Kaltungo, ...
Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences 21 (1), 1-10 2023

The intensity of infection and public health perception of potentially zoonotic intestinal parasites of dogs in Kwara Central, Nigeria.
SD Ola-Fadunsin, AB Abdulrauf, IA Ganiyu, K Hussain, HM Ambali, ...
Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine 17 (2) 2023

Comparative analysis of tick-borne relapsing fever spirochaetes from Ethiopia and Nigeria
AA Bankole, B Kumsa, G Mamo, NI Ogo, N Elelu, W Morgan, SJ Cutler
Pathogens 12 (1), 81 2023

Comparative Analysis of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Spirochaetes from Ethiopia and Nigeria. Pathogens 2023, 12, 81
AA Bankole, B Kumsa, G Mamo, NI Ogo, N Elelu, W Morgan, SJ Cutler
2023

Community-level survey of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive measures in Kwara State, Nigeria: good knowledge vs poor attitude
N Elelu, O Bilewu, F Sanusi, AI Al-Mustapha
Global Health Journal 6 (3), 168-173 2022

A national survey of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Nigeria
AI Al-Mustapha, O Okechukwu, A Olayinka, OR Muhammed, M Oyewo, ...
Vaccine 40 (33), 4726-4731 2022

Perception of canine rabies among pupils under 15 years in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria
AI Al-Mustapha, FO Bamidele, AT Abubakar, A Ibrahim, M Oyewo, ...
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 16 (8), e0010614 2022

Community engagement; the master key to preventing Nigeria’s obvious pandemic fatigue and the next COVID-19 wave
OA Ogundijo, AI Al-Mustapha, AT Abubakar, AM Imam, F Bamidele, ...
Journal of Public Health Research 11 (3), 22799036221107061 2022

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey on knowledge of anti-protozoal drug use and resistance among AHPs in Kwara State, Nigeria
N Elelu, G Agene, F Sanusi, AI Al-Mustapha
BMC Veterinary Research 18 (1), 214 2022

Public health surveillance for adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in Africa
AAA Anjorin, IA Odetokun, JB Nyandwi, H Elnadi, KS Awiagah, J Eyedo, ...
Vaccines 10 (4), 546 2022

Molecular characterisation of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks from domestic dogs in Nigeria
N Elelu, AA Bankole, HP Daphne, M Rabiu, SD Ola‐Fadunsin, HM Ambali, ...
Veterinary Medicine and Science 8 (2), 454-459 2022

Prevalence of tick infestation and molecular characterization of spotted fever Rickettsia massiliae in Rhipicephalus species parasitizing domestic small ruminants
N Elelu, SD Ola-Fadunsin, AA Bankole, MA Raji, NI Ogo, SJ Cutler
Plos one 17 (2), e0263843 2022

PUBLIC HEALTH SURVEILLANCE FOR ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING COVID-19 VACCINATION IN AFRICA: Rare Adverse Events and Fatal Cases Following COVID-19 Vaccination in Africa
AA Anjorin, IA Odetokun, JB Nyandwi, H Elnadi, KS Awiagah, J Eyedo, ...
AfricArXiv Preprints 2022

Knowledge, risk perception, and prevention preparedness towards COVID-19 among a cross-section of animal health professionals in Nigeria
IA Odetokun, NB Alhaji, U Akpabio, MA Abdulkareem, GT Bilat, D Subedi, ...
Pan African Medical Journal 41 (1) 2022

Socio-Demographic characteristics of COVID-19 vaccine recipients in Kwara state, North central Nigeria
AI Al-Mustapha, MI Abubakar, M Oyewo, RE Esighetti, OA Ogundijo, ...
Frontiers in public health 9, 773998 2022

Al-Mustapha AI, Bamidele F., Abubakar AT, Ibrahim A., Oyewo M., Abdulrahim I., Yakub JM, Olarewaju I., Elelu N., Gibson A., Mazeri S., Bolajoko MB (2022). Perception of canine
AI Al-Mustapha, F Bamidele, AT Abubakar, A Ibrahim, M Oyewo, ...
Public Library of Science (PLOS), USA 2022

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Neglected zoonotic diseases in Nigeria: Role of the public health veterinarian
N Elelu, JO Aiyedun, IG Mohammed, OO Oludairo, IA Odetokun, ...
Pan African Medical Journal 32 (1) 2019
Citations: 63

Cross-sectional study of Fasciola gigantica and other trematode infections of cattle in Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State, north-central Nigeria
N Elelu, A Ambali, CC Gerald, CE Mark
Parasites and Vectors 9 (470), 1-11 2016
Citations: 62

A review of bovine fasciolosis and other trematode infections in Nigeria
N Elelu, MC Eisler
Journal of helminthology 92 (2), 128-141 2018
Citations: 57

Gastrointestinal helminths of intensively managed poultry in Kwara Central, Kwara State, Nigeria: Its diversity, prevalence, intensity, and risk factors
SD Ola-Fadunsin, PI Uwabujo, IM Sanda, IA Ganiyu, K Hussain, M Rabiu, ...
Veterinary world 12 (3), 389 2019
Citations: 51

Molecular diagnosis of the tick-borne pathogen Anaplasma marginale in cattle blood samples from Nigeria using qPCR
N Elelu, J Ferrolho, J Couto, A Domingos, MC Eisler
Experimental and Applied Acarology 70, 501-510 2016
Citations: 27

A national survey of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Nigeria
AI Al-Mustapha, O Okechukwu, A Olayinka, OR Muhammed, M Oyewo, ...
Vaccine 40 (33), 4726-4731 2022
Citations: 24

Public health surveillance for adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in Africa
AAA Anjorin, IA Odetokun, JB Nyandwi, H Elnadi, KS Awiagah, J Eyedo, ...
Vaccines 10 (4), 546 2022
Citations: 24

Tick‐borne relapsing fever as a potential veterinary medical problem
N Elelu
Veterinary Medicine and Science 4 (4), 271-279 2018
Citations: 22

Studies on farmer awareness on caprine abortion and the presence of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis in selected flocks in an arid zone of Nigeria
M Adamu, GD Mshelia, N Elelu, L Ouda, GO Egwu
Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health 4 (2), 17-21 2012
Citations: 21

Serospatial epidemiology of zoonotic Coxiella burnetii in a cross section of cattle and small ruminants in northern Nigeria
N Elelu, AA Bankole, RJ Musa, IA Odetokun, M Rabiu, KT Biobaku, ...
Plos one 15 (10), e0240249 2020
Citations: 18

Herd growth parameters and constraints of camel rearing in Northeastern Nigeria
AZ Jaji, N Elelu, MB Mahre, K Jaji, LIG Mohammed, M Audu Likita, ...
Pastoralism 7, 1-7 2017
Citations: 16

Epidemiological risk factors of knowledge and preventive practice regarding avian influenza among poultry farmers and live bird traders in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria
N Elelu
International journal of veterinary science and medicine 5 (1), 47-52 2017
Citations: 16

Comparative studies of constituents and antibacterial activities of leaf and fruit essential oils of Ocimium basilicum grown in north central Nigeria
LA Usman, RO Ismaeel, MF Zubair, BK Saliu, NO Olawore, N Elelu
Int. J. Chem. Biol. Sci 3, 47-52 2013
Citations: 16

Effects of supplemental Aloe vera gel in drinking water on some performance histology, hematology, serum constituents and growth of turkey poults challenged with Escherichia coli
SA Bolu, TO Babalola, N Elelu, RN Ahmed, SA Oyetunde, PF Ademola, ...
Wudpecker Journal of Agricultural Research 2 (8), 223-229 2013
Citations: 15

Nigeria’s race to zero COVID-19 cases: True disease burden or testing failure?
AI Al-Mustapha, AA Tijani, M Oyewo, A Ibrahim, N Elelu, OA Ogundijo, ...
Journal of global health 11, 03094 2021
Citations: 14

Ornithodoros savignyi, the tick vector of “Candidatus Borrelia kalaharica” in Nigeria
SJ Cutler, JM Idris, AO Ahmed, N Elelu
Journal of clinical microbiology 56 (9), 10.1128/jcm. 00532-18 2018
Citations: 14

Prospects for dog rabies elimination in Nigeria by 2030
AT Abubakar, AI Al‐Mustapha, M Oyewo, A Ibrahim, I Abdulrahim, ...
Zoonoses and Public Health 71 (1), 1-17 2024
Citations: 11