Mechanical Transmission of Protozoan and Helminthic Parasites by Synanthropic Flies in Sana′a, Yemen
Journal of Parasitology Research, vol.2026, no.1, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 2026 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1155/japr/4095876
- Journal Name: Journal of Parasitology Research
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Zoological Record, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Keywords: mechanical transmission, protozoan and helminthic parasites, synanthropic flies, Yemen
- Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Nonbiting flies, particularly Musca domestica and Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis, are widely recognized as potential mechanical vectors of intestinal parasites. This study investigated the role of these flies in transmitting parasitic organisms in Sana′a City, Yemen, where poor sanitation may facilitate such transmission. From June to August 2023, 300 flies were randomly collected from six locations in Sana′a City, including markets, garbage sites, fish-selling areas, and butcher shops. Flies were trapped using sticky ribbons and sweep nets, then transferred to sterile tubes containing 3 mL of saline. Morphological identification was performed using standard keys. To isolate parasites, flies were washed in saline, centrifuged, and examined microscopically using iodine staining. The parasites were identified based on standard morphological characteristics. Of the 300 flies examined, 195 (65%) carried intestinal parasites. Infection was more prevalent in M. domestica (74%) than in S. haemorrhoidalis (45%). Nine parasitic species were identified on the external surfaces, comprising three protozoan cysts—Entamoeba coli (40%), E. histolytica (55%), Giardia spp. (53%)—and six helminths—Ascaris lumbricoides (28%), Enterobius vermicularis (20%), Taenia spp. (5%), Hymenolepis nana (35%), Trichuris trichiura (5%), and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (3%). The highest infection rate (87%) was recorded in flies from Bab Al-Yemen, whereas the lowest infection rate (20%) was recorded at the Sana′a University Campus. This study confirmed that nonbiting flies in Sana′a City can carry a range of intestinal parasites on their external surfaces, posing a public health risk. Improved hygiene and further studies on the carriage of internal parasites are warranted.