Isolation and Identification of Gram Negative Bacteria from the Outer Surface of the House Fly

Abstract

Musca domestica specimens were collected from three locations in Salah al-Din Governorate's Al-Dur district, namely sheep breeding places, butcher shops, and vegetable markets. The collection took place between early January 2022 and May of the same year. The aim of the study was to isolate intestinal and Gram-negative bacteria from the outer surface of the flies. Different culture media, microscopic examinations, biochemical tests, and the vatic system were used for diagnosing the bacterial isolates.                                                    

A total of 157 bacterial isolates were obtained from the study, representing eight different types of bacteria. The most prevalent type was Escherichia coli, accounting for 44 isolates or 28% of the total. Klebsiella pneumoniae followed with 32 isolates, representing 20.3%. Proteus mirabilis ranked third with 30 isolates, making up 19.1%. Salmonella typhi accounted for 20 isolates, comprising 12.7% of the bacterial isolates. Providencia rettgeri had 15 isolates, representing 9.5%, while Proteus vulgaris had 8 isolates, accounting for 5.1%. Citrobacter freundii numbered 6 isolates, making up 3.8%. Finally, Shigella spp. had 2 isolates, representing 1.2% of the bacterial isolates.