Filth Flies As Carriers of Intestinal Parasites And Fungi in a Tertiary Institution in Ghana

Abstract

Introduction:Filth flies can mechanically transmit pathogens, some of which can cause significant diseases in humans and animals. Methods: This study aimed at isolating and identifying pathogenic fungi and intestinal parasites from flies sampled with sweep nets and fly traps from different dumpsites in a tertiary institution. Dumpsites at the various halls of residence were designated A, B, C, and D. Results: Pathogens were mostly isolated from the body surfaces of the flies. The 605 captured filth flies belonged to the two families, Calliphoridae (77.69%) and Muscidae (22.31%). Three genera of fungi were identified, with Aspergillus (91.69%) as the most predominant, followed by Penicillium (5.23%) and Rhizopus (3.08%). The intestinal parasites identified from only the external body surfaces of the sampled flies were protozoans, Cryptosporidium parvum (95%), and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (0.83%), as well as helminths including Ascaris lumbricoides (3.34%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (0.83%). The percentage occurrence of fungi (57.54%) and intestinal parasites (85.83%) isolated from flies caught at dumpsites D and B were higher than those isolated from flies caught in any of the other study sites. Conclusion: This study confirms filthy flies as mechanical transmitters of pathogens and emphasizes adopting control measures to prevent the possible spread of infections within the university community.

Hospital Wastes as Potential Sources for Multi-Drug-Resistant ESBL-Producing Bacteria at a Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia

“…Hospital environments, particularly those with inadequate sanitation and waste management practices, can attract houseflies, increasing the risk of MDR bacteria being disseminated by these insects [6,11]. They can carry bacteria on their body surfaces and within their digestive systems, facilitating their dissemination from contaminated sources to other locations [11,12].…”