Bactérias veiculadas por formigas em ambientes relacionados à saúde

Abstract

The presence of ants in health environments can create a risk to humans, considering that they can act as a vehicle for the dissemination of several potentially pathogenic microorganisms. In this context, the study aimed to isolate and identify microorganisms carried by ants present in health-related environments. Insect collection was carried out at a long-term care facility and an emergency care unit. The captured ants were placed in liquid culture medium for the preculture of microorganisms. Then an aliquot of the culture was seeded on blood agar and Mueller Hinton agar in order to obtain pure culture and these were then evaluated for morphotintorial classification (Gram). Gram positive cocci colonies were tested for Staphylococcus and Streptococcus differentiation. Gram-negative bacilli rated for carbohydrate fermentation. Fourteen strains of bacteria were isolated: 7% Streptococcus pneumoniae, 43% Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, and 50% Gram-negative bacilli (21.5% fermenters and 28.5% non-fermenters). The results show the vector action of ants in the transport of bacteria, many of them pathogenic, representing a potential health hazard.