A systematic review of experimental evidence on microbial pathogen transmission by Stomoxys spp

Vector-borne microbial pathogens previously isolated from Stomoxys spp. are currently considered to be emerging or re-emerging threats to public health and the veterinary sector. Transmission of pathogens by flies in the Stomoxys genus is largely mechanical, indicating that they can transmit a wide range of pathogens to a variety of hosts. This study evaluated the diversity of pathogens demonstrably transmitted by a variety of Stomoxys flies, concerning species diversity, host diversity, and geographic distribution. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied to screen studies based on pathogen type, host species, and experimental transmission outcomes. Journal articles published from 1973 to 2025 were sourced from six electronic databases. After evaluation, 30 studies were eligible for this review. Of these studies, 20% (6/30) reported negative outcomes. Three pathogens (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Neorickettsia risticii, and Escherichia coli) were not transmitted by the flies in the experiments. Stomoxys spp. transmitted pathogens to a wide range of hosts (9 mammals) and substrates (blood and tissue culture), but the recorded experiments in camels failed. Three out of ten Stomoxys spp. reported in the studies (S. transvittatus, S. inornatus, and S. omega) failed to transmit pathogens in all attempts. The majority of experimental studies were on S. calcitrans, with very limited studies on other Stomoxys species, highlighting the dearth of information on other species occurring in Africa and Asia. Our study has consolidated the evidence regarding the experimental pathogen transmission by Stomoxys spp., highlighting and demonstrating their epidemiological significance and the need for surveillance and control/prevention strategies.