Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as vectors of bacteria in a hospital environment in São Luís-MA City

Abstract

Inside the hospital environment, ants have played a key role in carrying of pathogenic microorganisms. The present study aimed to detect bacteria carried by ants collected in a Mixed Unit of São Luís, MA, to profile antibiotic susceptibility and to identify the gender of insects. Samples were collected from August to October 2010 in six sectors of the studied area from the active search with swabs. The identification of Enterobacteriaceae was carried out using a kit. The execution of susceptibility testing was performed according to the method of disc diffusion and identification of ants through key. We calculated the similarity coefficient and the index of medium intensity. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate the susceptibility profiles of the strains to antimicrobials. A total of 36 ants were collected and 21 bacteria were isolated. The coefficients and indexes were more expressive of the genera Camponotus spp., and Solenopsis spp. The sensitivity to antibiotics was statistically significant compared to other profiles. This study contributed to further elucidate the
state of Maranhão panel of transmitting pathogenic microorganisms by ants in hospital.