Do Houseflies Cause Dysentery?
WouterHouseflies are known to transmit a range of infectious and bacterial diseases, including dysentery. They feed on decaying matter and can carry bacteria and other pathogens to the gastrointestinal tract. They can also transmit cutaneous infections, eye infections, and skin diseases. In addition, their feces can carry foodborne pathogens.
The study examined 684 house flies from the Khartoum Central Market, Khartoum North Market, and Omdurman slaughterhouses. Of these flies, 20 were infected with intestinal parasites. In contrast, Omdurman remained parasite-free, but this could be due to the small number of flies collected or the fact that flies had a reduced exposure to human excreta. Another possible explanation could be the high temperature of the city, which limits the flies’ mobility.
Flies transmit several infectious diseases, such as typhoid fever and cholera. One fly can carry as much as 6,500,000 bacteria and can survive in the digestive tract for up to four weeks. Flies also spread these bacteria to humans through their saliva. Furthermore, flies can transmit more than 65 diseases to humans. These include cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.
Houseflies and blowflies have been implicated in some cases of human dysentery. A recent study examined the DNA of blowflies and houseflies collected from both urban and rural settings. Researchers found that both houseflies and blowflies are capable of transmitting intestinal parasites. They also carry the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which is responsible for stomach ulcers in humans.
