TY - JOUR
T1 - The role of 'filth flies' in the spread of antimicrobial resistance
AU - Onwugamba, Francis C.
AU - Fitzgerald, J. Ross
AU - Rochon, Kateryn
AU - Guardabassi, Luca
AU - Alabi, Abraham
AU - Kühne, Stefan
AU - Grobusch, Martin P.
AU - Schaumburg, Frieder
PY - 2018/3/1
Y1 - 2018/3/1
N2 - Background: 'Filth flies' feed and develop in excrement and decaying matter and can transmit enteric pathogens to humans and animals, leading to colonization and infection. Considering these characteristics, 'filth flies' are potential vectors for the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This review defines the role of flies in the spread of AMR and identifies knowledge gaps. Methods: The literature search (original articles, reviews indexed for PubMed) was restricted to the English language. References of identified studies were screened for additional sources. Results: 'Filth flies' are colonized with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria of clinical relevance. This includes extended spectrum beta-lactamase-, carbapenemase-producing and colistin-resistant (mcr-1 positive) bacteria. Resistant bacteria in flies often share the same genotypes with bacteria from humans and animals when their habitat overlap. The risk of transmission is most likely highest for enteric bacteria as they are shed in high concentration in excrements and are easily picked up by flies. 'Filth flies' can 'bio-enhance' the transmission of AMR as bacteria multiply in the digestive tract, mouthparts and regurgitation spots. Conclusion: To better understand the medical importance of AMR in flies, quantitative risk assessment models should be refined and fed with additional data (e.g. vectorial capacity, colonization dose). This requires targeted ecological, epidemiological and in vivo experimental studies.
AB - Background: 'Filth flies' feed and develop in excrement and decaying matter and can transmit enteric pathogens to humans and animals, leading to colonization and infection. Considering these characteristics, 'filth flies' are potential vectors for the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This review defines the role of flies in the spread of AMR and identifies knowledge gaps. Methods: The literature search (original articles, reviews indexed for PubMed) was restricted to the English language. References of identified studies were screened for additional sources. Results: 'Filth flies' are colonized with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria of clinical relevance. This includes extended spectrum beta-lactamase-, carbapenemase-producing and colistin-resistant (mcr-1 positive) bacteria. Resistant bacteria in flies often share the same genotypes with bacteria from humans and animals when their habitat overlap. The risk of transmission is most likely highest for enteric bacteria as they are shed in high concentration in excrements and are easily picked up by flies. 'Filth flies' can 'bio-enhance' the transmission of AMR as bacteria multiply in the digestive tract, mouthparts and regurgitation spots. Conclusion: To better understand the medical importance of AMR in flies, quantitative risk assessment models should be refined and fed with additional data (e.g. vectorial capacity, colonization dose). This requires targeted ecological, epidemiological and in vivo experimental studies.
KW - Antimicrobial resistance
KW - Bacteria
KW - Diptera
KW - Transmission
U2 - 10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.02.007
DO - 10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.02.007
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 29482014
AN - SCOPUS:85042476095
SN - 1477-8939
VL - 22
SP - 8
EP - 17
JO - Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
JF - Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
ER -