Bactérias veiculadas por formigas em comunidade indígena

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the research was to identify bacteria carried by circulating ants in an indigenous community in the south of Mato Grosso. METHODS: Insects were collected at the basic health unit and school in the village. The captured ants were inserted in liquid culture medium for the pre-cultivation of microorganisms. Then an aliquot of the culture was sown on blood agar and Mueller Hinton agar to obtain pure culture and these were then evaluated for the morpho-tintorial classification (Gram). The colonies of Gram positive cocci were subjected to tests for the differentiation of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Gram-negative bacilli classified by carbohydrate fermentation. RESULTS: 25 strains of bacteria were isolated, 24% of which were Gram positive bacilli, 24% coagulase negative Staphylococcus (24% S. saprophyticus and 12% S. epidermides), 16% Micrococcus sp and 24% Gram negative bacilli (4% fermenters and 20% non-fermenters). CONCLUSION: The results obtained show the vectorial action of ants in transporting pathogens, representing a potential risk to indigenous health.