Filth Flies As Carriers of Intestinal Parasites And Fungi in a Tertiary Institution in Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Filth flies can mechanically transmit pathogens, some of which can cause significant diseases in humans and animals. Methods: This study aimed at isolating and identifying pathogenic fungi and intestinal parasites from flies sampled with sweep nets and fly traps from different dumpsites in a tertiary institution. Dumpsites at the various halls of residence were designated A, B, C, and D. Results: Pathogens were mostly isolated from the body surfaces of the flies. The 605 captured filth flies belonged to the two families, Calliphoridae (77.69%) and Muscidae (22.31%). Three genera of fungi were identified, with Aspergillus (91.69%) as the most predominant, followed by Penicillium (5.23%) and Rhizopus (3.08%). The intestinal parasites identified from only the external body surfaces of the sampled flies were protozoans, Cryptosporidium parvum (95%), and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (0.83%), as well as helminths including Ascaris lumbricoides (3.34%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (0.83%). The percentage occurrence of fungi (57.54%) and intestinal parasites (85.83%) isolated from flies caught at dumpsites D and B were higher than those isolated from flies caught in any of the other study sites. Conclusion: This study confirms filthy flies as mechanical transmitters of pathogens and emphasizes adopting control measures to prevent the possible spread of infections within the university community.

Keywords

• filth flies
• aspergillus
• cryptosporidium
• ascaris