Bacteriology and cytology of the non-gravid one-humped camel genitalia

This study evaluates the cytology and prevalence of bacteria in the genital tract of non-pregnant dromedary camels at the main abattoir of Kano through a cross-sectional design with convenience sampling. Results revealed that Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated with E. coli and S. aureus being the most prevalent. These bacteria were more prevalent in the vagina followed by the cervix and were more sensitive to cefoxitin, gentamicin and amoxicillin. The vagina had more cell counts than other regions of the non-pregnant genitalia. No association was recorded between cell type and region of non-pregnant genitalia. Similarly, there was no association between cell morphology and region of non-pregnant genitalia. However, there was association between background content and region of non-pregnant genitalia. In conclusion, bacteria inhabiting the non-pregnant camelid genitalia are Proteus spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with E. coli and S. aureus being the most prevalent. These were sensitive to cefoxitin, gentamicin and amoxicillin. The vagina compared to other regions of the genitalia had more cell counts. The background content was dependent on region of non-pregnant camel genitalia. Key words: Bacteriology, cytology, one-humped camel, genitalia, antimicrobial sensitivity.