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

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 ۶۰۵ captured filth flies belonged to the two families, Calliphoridae (۷۷.۶۹%) and Muscidae (۲۲.۳۱%). Three genera of fungi were identified, with Aspergillus (۹۱.۶۹%) as the most predominant, followed by Penicillium (۵.۲۳%) and Rhizopus (۳.۰۸%). The intestinal parasites identified from only the external body surfaces of the sampled flies were protozoans, Cryptosporidium parvum (۹۵%), and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (۰.۸۳%), as well as helminths including Ascaris lumbricoides (۳.۳۴%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (۰.۸۳%). The percentage occurrence of fungi (۵۷.۵۴%) and intestinal parasites (۸۵.۸۳%) 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