Determination of Bacterial Contamination in the Medically Important Synanthropic Flies; a Survey Study in Northern Iran

Flies are found worldwide because of adapting to different environments. Synanthropic flies are able to transfer a variety spectrum of pathogens and pathogenic factors to humans because of their close relationship with human life. The present study was aimed to determine the bacterial contamination of Musca domestica and Lucilia sericata as the main type of synanthropic flies in the Ghaem-Shahr city.

Samples were collected from four locations in Ghaem-Shahr city, on a monthly basis and using a bait trap. A total of 384 flies were recruited from two species of Musca domestica and Lucilia sericata in the sterile conditions to determine bacterial contamination in different bacteria medium.

Out of 260 samples infected with pathogenic bacteria, 61.1% were related to household flies and 38.8% were related to the Lucilia Sericata. The highest rate of contamination with gram-positive bacilli (22.6%) and gram-positive cocci (26.7%) were related to household flies and Lucilia sericata, respectively. Escherichia coli was the dominant species and the lowest contamination rate was related to Klebsiella sp.

To prevent the spread of bacterial infections by flies and providing public health and creating a healthy and safe environment, control measures are required at landfills, hospitals and slaughterhouses.