Abstract

Musca domestica (house fly), Fannia spp. (lesser house flies), and Lucilia spp. (green bottle flies) are significant mechanical vectors of pathogenic bacteria due to their synanthropic behavior and association with contaminated environments like waste, feces, and decaying organic matter. This study investigated the incidence and antibiotic resistance profiles of pathogenic bacteria associated with flying insects collected from five major markets within Maiduguri Metropolis. A total of 757 flies comprising Musca domestica, Fannia spp., and Lucilia spp. were sampled from different stands, including meat, fish, and vegetable sections, across Monday, Tashan Bama, Gamboru, Ngomari Airport, and Bolori markets. Standard microbiological and biochemical methods were used. The study revealed a high prevalence of bacterial contamination among the sampled flies. Klebsiella spp. (41%) exhibited the highest frequency, followed by Proteus spp. (24%), Escherichia coli (15%), Staphylococcus aureus (13%), and Pseudomonas spp. (7%). Gamboru market recorded the highest bacterial load, while Bolori market showed the least. Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated marked resistance of Gram-negative isolates to Amoxicillin, Augmentin, and Sparfloxacin. The predominance of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. suggests a growing environmental reservoir of resistance determinants that could complicate infection control within foodhandlers and healthcare settings. In conclusion, the study underscores the public health significance of flying insects in the epidemiology of pathogenic and drug-resistant bacteria within Maiduguri metropolis. Enhanced market sanitation, improved waste management, and the adoption of One Healthbased antimicrobial surveillance strategies are recommended to mitigate bacterial transmission risks and safeguard community health.

Keywords: Non-biting flies, Pathogenic bacteria, Mechanical vectors, Maiduguri, Antibiotic