ISSN 2756-3391
African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 701–708
DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140701
Article Type: Full Length Research Paper
Title: Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Hepatozoon canis in domestic dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus vectors from urban Monrovia, Liberia
Names of Authors: Rufus K. Tokpa¹, Augustine J. Kollie¹, Blessing M. Saydee²
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Central Agricultural Research Institute, Livestock Research Division, Suakoko, Liberia. ²Department of Biological Sciences, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia.
Abstract: Canine hepatozoonosis is an important tick-borne hemoprotozoan disease that compromises the health of domestic dogs in tropical urban centers. This molecular epidemiological survey determined the prevalence, vector correlation, and genetic lineages of Hepatozoon canis infecting 360 domestic dogs presented at veterinary health checkpoints and rescue facilities in Monrovia, Liberia. Peripheral blood films and whole blood samples were collected alongside 1420 adult ixodid ticks gathered from the animal hosts. DNA extracts from both blood and tick tissue pools were screened using nested PCR assays targeting the 18S rRNA gene region. Microscopic examination identified Hepatozoon canis gamonts in 12.5 percent of blood smears, while molecular sequencing revealed a significantly higher diagnostic positivity rate of 26.4 percent (n = 95) in dogs. Tick identification verified Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato as the exclusive vector, with 18.2 percent of processed tick pools testing positive for Hepatozoon canis DNA. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the Liberian isolates shared high sequence identity (99.4 to 100 percent) with reference strains from West and Central Africa, forming a monophyletic cluster distinct from European lineages. Multivariable logistic regression associated active infection with severe tick infestation (odds ratio = 4.15, 95 percent confidence interval [2.32 to 7.42]) and free-roaming status (odds ratio = 2.88, 95 percent confidence interval [1.51 to 5.46]). These findings confirm widespread endemic transmission of Hepatozoon canis in Monrovia, showing the need for continuous companion animal vector control.
Keywords: Hepatozoon canis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 18S rRNA, Canine health, Molecular surveillance, Liberia
Manuscript Timeline: Received: 12 July 2026; Revised: 10 August 2026; Accepted: 28 August 2026; Published: 10 September 2026
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