STUDIES ON THE ROLE OF HOUSEFLIES (Musca domestica) IN THE TRANSMISSION OF MEDICALLY RELEVANT PARASITES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, MAKURDI COMMUNITY

STUDIES ON THE ROLE OF HOUSEFLIES (Musca domestica) IN THE TRANSMISSION OF MEDICALLY RELEVANT PARASITES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, MAKURDI COMMUNITY

ABSTRACT
Houseflies (Musca domestica) are ubiquitous insects in human settlements and are recognized as significant mechanical vectors of numerous pathogens. This study investigated the parasitic fauna associated with houseflies within the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, community. A total of 1,309 houseflies were collected using fresh fish as bait and the knockdown method across three distinct localities: staff quarters, female hostels, and student villages. Examination of the flies’ external surfaces using the normal saline concentration technique revealed nine medically important parasites: Ascaris lumbricoides (23.44%), Entamoeba histolytica (29.69%), Taenia solium (14.06%), Taenia saginata (10.94%), Schistosoma mansoni (7.81%), Enterobius vermicularis (7.81%), Hymenolepis nana (7.81%), Schistosoma haematobium (3.13%), and Trichuris trichiura (1.56%). Fly abundance varied across locations, with the student village recording the highest (46.81%) and staff quarters the lowest (16.50%). The study confirms that houseflies serve as effective mechanical vectors for human parasites, highlighting their critical role in the dissemination of food-borne and enteric parasitic infections. These findings underscore the need for enhanced sanitation, vector control, and public health interventions within the university community.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study
The housefly (Musca domestica Linn.) is a member of the order Diptera and is the most prevalent of all domestic flies, representing approximately 90% of flies encountered in human environments worldwide. Recognized as a major pest, M. domestica thrives in close association with human activity, feeding indiscriminately on food, waste, and decaying organic matter (Jeffrey et al., 2000; Scott et al., 2014). Its ecological adaptability, combined with its ability to traverse between contaminated substrates and human habitations, makes it a highly effective mechanical vector of over 100 human and animal pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa, and helminths (Peter & Chiodini, 1997; Graczyk et al., 2001).

Houseflies contribute to the spread of gastrointestinal infections such as salmonellosis, typhoid fever, shigellosis, cholera, and diarrhea. Additionally, they have been implicated in the transmission of pathogens responsible for eye infections (trachoma, conjunctivitis) and cutaneous conditions (diphtheria, mycoses, leprosy) (Westley et al., 2014). Transmission occurs primarily through mechanical means, as parasites and pathogens adhere to the flies’ exoskeletons, mouthparts, and leg hairs or are transferred via regurgitation and fecal deposition (Graczyk et al., 2005).

Sanitation remains a critical factor in housefly proliferation. In tropical environments, including Makurdi, poor waste management, inadequate toilet facilities, and improper food handling amplify the risk of fly-mediated disease transmission. Within the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, the density of houseflies is exacerbated by the high population density and routine human activity, making it an ideal site to study the role of flies in pathogen dissemination. Understanding the parasitic fauna associated with M. domestica is essential for designing targeted public health interventions to mitigate the spread of food-borne and enteric diseases.

1.2 Scope of the Study
This study focused on the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, selected for its high population density and evident presence of houseflies across staff quarters, student villages, and female hostels. The research assessed the types and prevalence of parasitic fauna carried by M. domestica and identified environmental factors contributing to their abundance.

1.3 Significance of the Study
The findings of this study are significant for public health planning, environmental sanitation, and disease prevention. By identifying the parasites associated with houseflies in a university community, the study provides evidence-based recommendations for vector control, food safety practices, and sanitation improvements. These insights can inform both local health authorities and educational institutions in mitigating parasite transmission and safeguarding community health.

1.4 Aim and Objectives
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the parasitic fauna associated with houseflies in the University of Agriculture, Makurdi community, and assess their potential as vectors of medically important parasites. The specific objectives included:

1. To identify the parasitic fauna carried by houseflies within the university community.
2. To determine the abundance and distribution of houseflies across different localities.
3. To assess the potential risk factors associated with housefly-mediated transmission of parasites.
4. To evaluate environmental conditions that favor housefly proliferation and breeding within the university community.