Scientists discovered that flies can be carriers of a much greater number of diseases than previously estimated.
According to the latest data obtained by the researchers from Pennsylvania, home fly and meat fly can carry more than 600 different bacteriathat can cause diseases of the stomach, blood, or even viral pneumonia.
The experiments the scientists showed that flies are capable of spreading bacteria on the legs, body or wings.
«Of course, we had an idea about the pathogens that are carried by flies, but not in such quantities,» — says BBC News Professor Donald Bryant from the University of Pennsylvania study participant.
For study was used the analysis of DNA, which was examined «collections» of microbes, discovered on the bodies of house flies (Musca domestica) and blowflies (Chrysomya megacephala).
Homemade flies (which are found worldwide) 351 contained a type of bacteria. Meat, preferring a warmer climate – 316 bacteria.
A study published in the journal Scientific Reports, claims that health officials likely underestimated the flies as the source of disease outbreaks.
«It will really make you think twice about whether the picnic salad, which just sat a fly,» adds Professor Bryant.
