Epidemiological implications of houseflies (Musca domestica) in the dessimination of diseases in Owerri, south-east Nigeria

Abstract

The epidemiological implications of houseflies (M. domestica) in human disease transmission were assessed in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria between February and August, 2010. A total of 140 houseflies trapped from different micro-habitats were examined using standard parasitological and microbiological techniques which included washing and examination of external body parts, dissection and examination of internal guts and culture of crushed intestinal samples. Of these, 78 (55.7%) were infected with at least one of 7 parasites of medical importance encountered; Entamoba coli, Ascaris lumbricoides, Microsporidia, Enterobius vermicularis, Hookworm, Trichiuris trichiura and Entamoba histolytica, A. lumbricoides (17.1%) and E. histolytica (13.6%) were significantly higher than others (p<0.05). Infection was significantly higher in refuse dumps and toilets than from other sources (p<0.05). Eight bacterial isolates (opportunistic enteric pathogens inclusive) were recovered; Micrococcus species, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp and Citrobacter spp. Their prevalence differed in the gut contents of houseflies while its public health significance are highlighted.

Keywords: Houseflies; diseases; epidemiological implications; Owerri