Objective: The houseflies (Musca domestica -MD) are involved in the transmission of the diseases of the faecal danger in subsaharan Africa. What is their role in the transmission of multiresistant bacteria in an intensive care setting in Dakar?
Type of study: Descriptive, forward-looking.
Materials and methods: The study was conducted from May 1 to September 30, 2003. During this period a flytrap was put above every patient carrier of BMR (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus, extended spectrum beta-lactamases-enterobacteria, ticarcillin resistant Pseudomonas). Caught MD were carried to the microbiology laboratory and incubated in heart-brain broth at 37 degrees C for 18 hours. Then selective gelose platers were used for identification of bacteria. Comparison of antibiotic sensitivities of bacteria isolated from MD and from the patients was made.
Results: Out of 441 hospitalized patients, 26 were colonised or infected by BMR. Human pathogenic microorganisms were obtained from 99 out of 120 flies. Seventeen of those flies were carried of BMR. Six among these 17 flies had BMR with sensitivity profile and phenotype of resistance identical to those of the patients under the trap with birdlime. More 3 MD carried BMR BLSE not found on our patients.
Conclusion: This study shows that the MD can carry BMR. Their participation in the crossed transmission, between patients, of multiresistant bacteria in intensive care setting, must be discussed. The eradication of the MD in our Africa subsaharan services must be looked for.