African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 5 (11), pp. 1090-1091, 2 June 2006   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2006 Academic Journals        

Short Communication

Isolation of Salmonella and Shigella species from house flies (musca domestica l.) in Uturu, Nigeria

UGBOGU, O. C.*, NWACHUKWU, N. C. and OGBUAGU, U. N.

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological and Physical Sciences, Abia State University, P. M. B. 2000, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: osychin@yahoo.com. Phone: +234 8037303493.

Accepted 6 May, 2006

Abstract

Salmonella and Shigella species were isolated from House flies (Musca domestica L.) from various sampling sites using selective media. Out of 34 pooled samples Shigella species were isolated in all (100%) of the samples while Salmonella species were isolated in 21 (61.7%) of the samples. The flies pooled from the refuse dump sites had higher load of these organisms. The infection rate of flies with Shigella species observed in this study is very high and calls for proper mechanical control of flies, environment sanitation and use of insecticides where applicable.

Key words: Salmonella species, Shigella species, house flies, Uturu, disease transmission.