Flies are infamously known as the vectors for many diseases as well as for spreading spoilage organisms in healthcare, food, and pharmaceutical industries. If you operate a business in any of these sectors, you need to follow a good hygiene regime to prevent contamination caused by flies that are attracted to food.
In order to understand the extent and nature of the hygiene risk caused by flies, a number of studies have been conducted by scientists around the world. Their These studies suggest that flies are capable of carrying a wide range of bacteria. One of their key discoveries is that the primary route of contamination comes from flies walking on a surface. The highest microbial diversity in the body of a fly is found oin its legs and wings. Therefore, they can spread many types of bacteria just by landing on food or surfaces.
Flies as Disease Carriers
A wide majority of research activities on flies have been focused around microorganisms present in their gastrointestinal tract. Blowflies and houseflies tend to breed in and feed on faeces and rotting matter. As a result of their normal habits, flies encounter many microorganisms capable of causing diseases or degrading animal and plant matter. Recent studies indicate that hundreds of species of bacteria can be picked up by individual flies from the environment in which they live.
Disease Causing Bacteria
The most common microorganism found so far in blowflies is Wolbachia. This parasitic bacteria is found in over 60% of insect species around the world. This bacteria has a complex set of relations with its host, including parthenogenesis, killing of males, feminization of males, prevention of reproduction, and protection from viruses. However, Wolbachia is not known to have any significant impact on human health.
Psychrobacter spp. PRwf-1 is another bacteria commonly found in flies. This bacterial strain is found mostly in permafrost soils and cold environments. However, they can adapt very well to warmer environments and can cause food spoilage.
Hundreds of other species of bacteria are found on the flies and many of them can cause human diseases or food spoilage.
- Enterobacter cloacae: Responsible for nosocomial infections of the urinary tract and lower respiratory tract, skin and soft tissue infections, and endocarditis.
- Staphylococcus: Common cause of wound infections and gastroenteritis in hospitals.
- Salmonella enterica: Responsible for a number of food borne illnesses.
- Bacillus cereus: Capable of creating toxins that lead to food borne illness.
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus: Common cause of gastroenteritis caused by consumption of undercooked seafood,
- Helicobacter pylori: Responsible for some types of cancer as well as stomach ulcer.
- E. coli: Certain types can cause gastroenteritis through contaminated surfaces, water, and food.
- Morganella morgana: Causes infections in surgical wounds or urinary tract.
- Acinetobacter baumannii: Common cause of hospital acquired infections such as wound and burn infections, infective endocarditis, secondary meningitis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and bacteremia.
Based on the points discussed above, there is no denying the fact that flies can be are a huge concern for any commercial establishment. If you notice flies at your workplace, it is important for you to implement corrective measures without any delay whatsoever. At Vectothor, we offer the most advanced range of fly control devices, created specifically for your needs. Contact our experts today for more information.
