Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of microorganisms transported by Musca domestica houseflies in the communes of Nzadi, Kabondo, and Kalamu within the Boma urban health zone. It is a prospective, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted on 75 houseflies collected from 15 sites across the three communes. The flies were classified into small and large sizes. Microbiological analyses were performed directly on fresh samples, after Gram staining, and by culture. Data were analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. The results showed a predominance of large houseflies (54.67%) compared to small houseflies (45.33%) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the communes or collection sites. Thirty-eight parasites were identified, predominantly cysts of Entamoeba histolytica (47.37%) and Giardia lamblia (39.47%). Bacteria were the most frequent pathogens, accounting for 45 cases (60%), with large flies being significantly more contaminated than small ones (p = 0.001). The most frequently isolated bacterial species were Escherichia coli (21.33%), Salmonella spp. (9.33%), and Staphylococcus aureus (9.33%). Yeasts were rare (6.67%). No statistically significant association was observed between the municipalities, fly size, and pathogen distribution (p > 0.05). In conclusion, these flies are potential vectors of various pathogens.
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