Pathogenic parasites and bacteria associated with the housefly (Musca domestica) in Makurdi; a fly-infested area in central Nigeria

Houseflies (Musca domestica) are nuisance pests because of their ubiquitous nature in the mechanical transmission of pathogenic bacteria and parasites to man. This study identifies the pathogenic parasites and bacteria associated with the house fly in Makurdi, Nigeria. A total of 210 flies were collected from 7 locations (Wurukum Market, High-level Market, Kwararafa Quarters, Wadata Market, Railway Market, Modern Market and North Bank Market respectively) within Makurdi metropolis, from October 2015 to March 2016. The specimens were analyzed for the presence of pathogenic parasites and bacteria using standard laboratory procedures. The results showed that the parasites: Ascaris lumbricoides 15 (25.42%), Entamoeba histolytica 11 (18.64%), Taenia saginata 9 (15.25%), Schistosoma mansoni 7 (11.86%) Enterobius vermicularis 5 (8.47%), Hymenolepis nana 5 (8.47%), Giardia lamblia 3 (5.08%), Schistosoma haematobium 2 (3.39%), Trichostrongylus sp. 1 (1.69%), and Trichuris trichiura 1 (1.69%) were associated with the house flies. Pathogenic bacteria isolated and identified from the house flies included: Staphylococcus sp. 31 (38.27%), Bacillus sp. 16 (19.75%), Klebsiella sp.16 (19.75%), Escherichia sp. 6 (7.41%), Proteus sp. 6 (7.41%), Salmonella sp. 4 (4.94%), and Moraxella sp. 2 (2.47%). The results showed significant variations (p<0.05) between both the parasite species’ abundance and housefly abundance across the sampled locations; however, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) associated with the frequency of occurrence of bacteria species’. It is concluded that Musca domestica in Makurdi harbours pathogenic parasites and bacteria on their bodies and internal parts. They therefore, have mechanical potential to transmit these enteric pathogens to man since the fly has anthropogenic lifestyle. Measures must be taken to control the fly population to avert both present and future outbreaks of disease conditions emanating from the flies’ activities.Keywords:  Musca domestica; pathogenic bacteria; parasites; Makurdi