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Laboratory Rearing of Stable Flies and Other Muscoid Diptera
Published on: August 3, 2018
Bacteria fauna from the house fly, Musca domestica (L.)
W A Nazni1, B Seleena, H L Lee
1Medical Entomology Unit, Infectious Disease Research Centre, Institute For Medical Research, Jalan Pahang 50588 Kuala Lumpur.
Abstract:
The house fly, Musca domestica has long been considered a potential agent for disease transmission ever since its existence. The general truth of this assertion remains undisputed till the present day in spite of increasing awareness toward an improved sanitation and better hygiene. The habitual movement of house fly from filthy substrata such as human faeces, animal excreta, carcasses, garbage, etc. makes them ideal candidates for disease transmission such as cholera, shigellosis, salmonellosis and others when settling on food. Fly as a potential mechanical vector of pathogenic bacteria was elucidated in this study by examining flies from various breeding sites such as food courts, dumping ground, food processing areas and poultry farm in Peninsular Malaysia. The flies were baited with 10% sugar solution on a glass slide in the field. All materials used for collection of samples were sterile. Bacteria from fly sample were isolated using the normal isolation technique. Bacillus sp., Coccobacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Microccus sp., Streptococcus sp., Acinetobacter sp., Enterobacter sp., Proteus sp., Escherichia sp., Klebsiella sp. and yeast cells were isolated from feaces, vomitus, external surfaces and internal organs of house fly. Newly emerged house fly did not harbour any bacteria.
Insights
House flies (Musca domestica) act as mechanical vectors for transmitting bacteria from unsanitary sources to food. Newly emerged flies were bacteria-free, indicating contamination occurs after emergence.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- House flies (Musca domestica) are recognized as potential disease vectors due to their association with unsanitary environments.
- Their movement between contaminated substrates (feces, garbage) and food sources poses a significant public health risk.
- Despite improved sanitation, house flies remain a concern for transmitting diseases like cholera, shigellosis, and salmonellosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of house flies as mechanical vectors of pathogenic bacteria.
- To identify bacteria harbored by house flies collected from various breeding sites in Peninsular Malaysia.
Main Methods:
- House flies were collected from diverse breeding locations including food courts, a dumping ground, food processing areas, and a poultry farm.
- Flies were baited with 10% sugar solution on sterile glass slides for field collection.
- Bacterial isolation from fly feces, vomitus, external surfaces, and internal organs was performed using standard microbiological techniques.
Main Results:
- A wide range of bacteria, including Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Escherichia sp., and Klebsiella sp., along with yeast cells, were isolated from adult house flies.
- Specific bacteria identified were Coccobacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Acinetobacter sp., and Proteus sp.
- Newly emerged house flies did not harbor any bacteria, suggesting post-emergence acquisition.
Conclusions:
- House flies serve as mechanical vectors for various bacteria, contributing to disease transmission.
- Contamination of house flies with bacteria occurs after their emergence and is linked to their environment.
- Effective pest control and sanitation measures are crucial to mitigate the public health risks associated with house flies.
