Survey of Bacterial Carriage by Musca domestica in Calabar Metropolis and Implication on Public Health

Abstract

This study was designed to isolate the bacteria carried by houseflies (Musa domestica), determine the most occurring bacteria associated with houseflies  and assess the sanitary conditions of the different sampling locations in Calabar Metropolis. Samples were collected during September and October  2015. Perforated transparent plastic buckets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles were used to collect houseflies from houses, food spots  (restaurants) and drinking spots located in Bogobiri, Goldie and Hawkings in Calabar. The samples were subjected to standard bacteriological analysis to  include cultures and biochemical identification. The results of the trap were 137 (51.1%) for the bucket trap and 131 (48.9%) for the Eva bottle trap.  Bogobiri location had the highest number of houseflies 95 (35.4%) followed by Hawking 90 (33.6%) and lastly Goldie with 83 (30.9%). and yielded the  following results: 13 (61.9%) of the sample had significant bacteria growth while 15 (71.4%) had insignificant bacteria growth. Among bacteria  isolated, Coliforms bacteria 5 (23.8%), Salmonella spp. 5 (23.8%), S. aureus 4 (19%) and Bacillusspp. 2 (9.5%). Hawking had the highest number of bacteria  isolated. The result of this survey has shown that the association of houseflies with street foods and drinks is a serious public health concern. Avoidance  of houseflies in our foods and drinks and good refuse dump disposal should be promoted.