Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: Enteropathogens Carried by Flies in Pudong New Area

Abstract Background: Flies are acknowledged as vectors of diseases transmitted through mechanical means and represent a significant risk to human health. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of enteropathogens carried by flies in Pudong New Area to inform strategies for preventing and controlling flies. Methods: Samples were collected from various locations in the area using cage trappingtechniques between April and November 2021，encompassing various habitats such as parks, residential areas, farmers' markets. The main fly species were identified using cryomicrography and taxonomic enumeration, with 20 samples per tube collected from different habitats. 25 enteropathogens were also screened using GITrial v3 TaqManTM microbial arrays. Results: A total of 3, 875 flies were collected from 6, 400 placements, resulting in an average fly density of 0. 61 flies per cage. Musca M. domestica were the most common species at 39. 85%, followed by L. sericata at 16. 57% and B. peregrina at 13. 14%. Out of 189 samples, 92 tested positive for enteropathogens, with nine different pathogens found. 12. 70% of samples exclusively had parasites, a higher percentage than those with only bacteria and viruses. The study discovered that M. domestica had fewer enteropathogens compared to L. sericata and B. peregrina, which mainly carried B. hominis instead of bacteria and viruses like Escherichia coli (E. coli), Astrovirus and Sapovirus. In spring testing, all three fly species showed low rates of detecting enteropathogens. M. domestica were found in residential areas with the highest number of pathogen species, totaling six, whereas the L. sericata and B. peregrina were identified in farmers' markets with the highest number of pathogen species, totaling six and seven, respectively. Conclusions: Flies have the potential to serve as vectors for the transmission of enteropathogens, thereby posing a substantial risk to public health.