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Flies as Vectors and Potential Sentinels for Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance: A Review

Ji-Hang Yin1, Patrick John Kelly2, Chengming Wang1

  • 1Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.

Veterinary Sciences
|June 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Flies carry and spread antimicrobial resistance genes, posing a risk to public health. Understanding their role is crucial for surveillance and control strategies against resistant bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Molecular biology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Flies are ubiquitous organisms found in close proximity to humans and animals.
  • Their biology makes them potential vectors for the transmission of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes.
  • Growing concern exists regarding the role of flies in the spread of AMR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on how flies transmit bacterial pathogens.
  • To summarize the types of antimicrobial resistance genes carried by flies.
  • To explore the potential role of flies in the maintenance, transmission, and surveillance of AMR.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on flies as vectors of AMR.
  • Analysis of studies investigating bacteria and AMR genes found on flies.
  • Synthesis of information on fly-mediated transmission pathways.

Main Results:

  • Flies harbor a diverse range of bacteria, including important human and animal pathogens.
  • Studies have identified numerous antimicrobial resistance genes within bacteria carried by flies.
  • Evidence suggests flies can acquire and disseminate AMR genes in various environments.

Conclusions:

  • Flies are significant vectors for antimicrobial resistance genes, contributing to AMR spread.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of flies in AMR dynamics.
  • Targeting fly populations could be a viable strategy for AMR surveillance and control.
Keywords:
antimicrobial-resistancebacterial pathogensfliessentinelsurveillance

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