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Flies as a source of enteric pathogens in a rural village in Thailand
Abstract:
The village of Ban Pong in northeastern Thailand was studied from January through December 1981 to determine the importance of flies as a source of enteric pathogens. The number of flies (predominantly Musca domestica) increased in kitchens and animal pens in the hot dry spring, when the incidence of diarrhea was highest in the village. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., non-O1 Vibrio cholerae, and Vibrio fluvalis were isolated from fly pools in yards (69%), animal pens (38%), bathrooms (35%), and kitchens (8%). Enterotoxigenic E. coli was isolated from one fly pool in May and from another in June, when the incidence of such infections was highest in the village. Flies often carry and presumably disseminate enteric pathogens in rural Thailand.
Insights
Flies, especially Musca domestica, carry enteric pathogens like E. coli in rural Thailand. Their numbers and pathogen presence peak during the hot dry season, coinciding with high diarrhea incidence.
Area of Science:
- Environmental health
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Flies are common in rural areas and can act as vectors for disease.
- Understanding fly-borne pathogens is crucial for public health interventions in developing regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of flies as carriers of enteric pathogens in Ban Pong village, Thailand.
- To correlate fly populations and pathogen presence with seasonal variations and disease incidence.
Main Methods:
- Fly pools were collected from various locations (yards, animal pens, bathrooms, kitchens) in Ban Pong village over a 12-month period in 1981.
- Collected flies were analyzed for the presence of enteric pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., non-O1 Vibrio cholerae, and Vibrio fluvalis.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in fly populations (predominantly Musca domestica) was observed during the hot dry spring.
- Enteric pathogens were isolated from fly pools across multiple locations: yards (69%), animal pens (38%), bathrooms (35%), and kitchens (8%).
- Enterotoxigenic E. coli was detected in flies during May and June, coinciding with the peak incidence of related infections.
Conclusions:
- Flies, particularly Musca domestica, are significant carriers of enteric pathogens in rural Thailand.
- The study highlights the potential for flies to disseminate pathogens, contributing to disease transmission, especially during periods of high fly density and diarrheal illness.