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Published on: February 13, 2015
Monitoring of Pathogens Carried by Imported Flies and Cockroaches at Shenzhen Ports
Siqi Zhang1,2, Chunzhong Zhao2, Guoping Liu1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China.
Abstract:
This study tested the efficacy of xenomonitoring using contaminated flies and cockroaches at ports in Shenzhen by analysing sample data from imported flies and cockroaches from October 2023 to April 2024 to identify the pathogens they carried. Among all the samples of flies and cockroaches collected, Musca domestica vicina and Blattella germanica accounted for the highest proportion, 27.59% and 66.47%, respectively. Their positive rates for carrying Staphylococcus aureus were also the most significant, reaching 4.35% and 6.47%, respectively. The imported flies and cockroaches mainly came from Asia, with the highest proportion coming from Hong Kong, at 97.71% and 92.11%, respectively. Metagenomic sequencing indicated that the pathogens carried by the flies and cockroaches from different regions of Asia were generally similar but showed some differences. Flies from Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and West Asia and cockroaches from Southeast Asia, East Asia, and West Asia harboured unique opportunistic pathogens capable of causing gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in humans. Specifically, flies carried pathogens such as Campylobacter jejuni, Bacillus anthracis, Bacteroides fragilis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica, while cockroaches carried B. fragilis, Clostridium tetani, and Bacillus cereus. Our findings provide data support for future risk assessments of pathogens carried by imported vectors.
Insights
Xenomonitoring of imported flies and cockroaches in Shenzhen identified Staphylococcus aureus and other pathogens. This surveillance highlights potential risks from vectors originating primarily from Asia, particularly Hong Kong.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Vector-borne disease surveillance
- Public health entomology
Background:
- Ports are critical entry points for potential disease vectors.
- Insects like flies and cockroaches can harbor and transmit various pathogens.
- Effective surveillance of imported vectors is crucial for biosecurity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate xenomonitoring efficacy using flies and cockroaches at Shenzhen ports.
- To identify pathogens carried by imported flies and cockroaches.
- To assess the geographical origins and associated risks of these vectors.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of imported flies and cockroaches from October 2023 to April 2024.
- Identification of dominant insect species: Musca domestica vicina and Blattella germanica.
- Pathogen detection using metagenomic sequencing.
Main Results:
- Musca domestica vicina (27.59%) and Blattella germanica (66.47%) were the most prevalent species.
- High positive rates for Staphylococcus aureus were found in both flies (4.35%) and cockroaches (6.47%).
- Vectors primarily originated from Asia, with Hong Kong being the major source (97.71% flies, 92.11% cockroaches).
- Metagenomic analysis revealed region-specific opportunistic pathogens in flies and cockroaches, including Campylobacter jejuni, Bacillus anthracis, Bacteroides fragilis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Clostridium tetani, and Bacillus cereus.
Conclusions:
- Xenomonitoring effectively identified pathogens in imported flies and cockroaches.
- Imported vectors from Asia, especially Hong Kong, pose a significant public health risk.
- Findings support enhanced risk assessments for pathogens carried by international vectors.
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