Can Ants Get Rabies?
WouterAmong the most common pests in human dwellings are ants. These insects are closely related to bees, wasps and yellowjackets. They are also highly social. Their four life stages include egg, larva, pupa and adult.
Although ants do not transmit disease to humans, they can carry bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms. These organisms can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems. These organisms can also be acquired from the environment.
Several studies have focused on the transmission of pathogens by ants. In one study, ants were found to be carriers of Bacillus spp. and Salmonella spp. The study also investigated the risk of infection by pathogens transferred by ants to food.
A recent study also investigated the knowledge of consumers about ant infestation in domestic kitchens. A survey was carried out with 100 consumers. Most consumers did not perceive ants as pathogenic carriers. However, most consumers acknowledged that ants are a potential threat to public health.
Ants are also known to be carriers of Salmonella, Clostridium, and Streptococcus. The study also found that ants collected near food storage areas or sinks were significantly more likely to carry bacteria.
Among the bacteria, a number of strains were identified as multi-resistant, and a few were identified as gram negative bacilli. Some of these isolates were found to be resistant to antimicrobial drugs. During the study, four ant species were identified as carriers of 21 species of bacteria.
The study also identified ants as potential vectors of pathogens in hospitals. A study by Fowler et al. found that ants carried antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in hospitals.
