Insects As Vectors Of Foodborne Pathogens

Abstract

Many of the numerous species of insects that are attracted to food and to food‐contact surfaces carry on or within their bodies a plethora of bacteria and other microbes, some of which are capable of causing disease in humans and domestic animals. Strict adherence to standard sanitation practices and constant vigilance at all levels of the food chain are the primary lines of defense against incidents of foodborne disease. Flies and cockroaches are notable for their habits of indiscriminately visiting both pathogen‐laden substrates and food destined for human or domestic animal consumption. Ants that enter buildings are both indefatigable foragers and reliable carriers and disseminators of any pathogens they happen to acquire. The moths and beetles that live in dry cereal foods are capable of transporting fungal spores within the food material. It is not possible to prevent all instances of contamination of food by pathogens carried by insects. However, that eventuality can be minimized by implementing a four‐pronged program, AIM=F: anticipate—document all possible scenarios by which insects might contaminate food; inform—train all persons associated with the food chain to recognize danger when they see it; mitigate—develop and practice protocols to quickly deal with any actual or potential incident of food contamination by insects; frustrate—utilizing the first three action measures will neutralize or minimize any deliberate attempt to effect a bioterror incident.

Molecular detection and antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from houseflies (Musca domestica) in Iran

“…The role of houseflies as reservoirs of infectious microorganisms has been described by several researchers [ 23 – 25 ]. Because of their habitat preferences, mobility, feeding habits, and attraction to residential areas, these flies have a great potential to disseminate bacterial pathogens, including those responsible for causing human and animal infections [ 26 , 27 ]. Flying back and forth between different sites, the flies transmit the pathogens to surrounding communities both mechanically, via contaminated mouthparts and legs; and biologically, via excretion of ingested microbes [ 28 , 29 ].…”

A study on the potential of ants to act as vectors of foodborne pathogens

“…Ants ( Formicidae , Hymenoptera) are ubiquitous social insects that live in colonies. Female worker ants typically leave the nest and venture out in search for food [1]. Ants are generally omnivorous and the animal proteins and fats in their diet are derived mostly from insects and other arthropods that fall prey to the foraging worker ants [1].…”

“…Although ants are significant vectors of infectious diseases, there is considerably less information on ants than on other insect pests such as flies and cockroaches. Unfortunately, ants harbor various species of internal [3],[4] as well as external [1],[5],[6] bacteria, which adhere to the external surfaces, mainly the legs and mandibles [1],[5],[6]. These appendages come into contact with substrates, such as soil and pit latrines outdoors and, most commonly, floors indoors, from which the ants may pick up pathogens [1].…”

Role of Flies as Vectors of Foodborne Pathogens in Rural Areas

“…Houseflies are important nuisance pests of domestic animals and people, as well as the main fly vectors of foodborne and animal pathogens [3]. Due to their indiscriminate movements, ability to fly long distances, and attraction to both decaying organic materials and places where food is prepared and stored, houseflies greatly amplify the risk of human exposure to foodborne pathogens.…”

“…Additionally, the development of antibiotic resistance among clinical bacterial isolates and commensal bacteria of people and animals, as well as bacteria in other habitats, raises a concern that flies may be vector competent not only for specific pathogens but also for nonpathogenic bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes [3]. …”