Gram-positive bactéria carried by ants in hospital environment in the City of Porto Velho, Rondônia State, Brazil

Abstract

Ants are considered vectors of several pathogens species, with high adaptability to multiple environments, and can be a risk for immunocompromised patients in hospitals. This study aimed to verify the profile of Gram-positive bacteria carried by formicids in hospital environment. The insects were collected in the emergence room, pulmonology and gastroenterology wards in a public hospital of Porto Velho, Rondônia State, Brazil from March to June, 2012. The isolates were characterized according to Gram stain, identification tests for Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Micrococcus genera, and susceptibility profile to antimicrobials. From 130 ants collected, 62% of strains isolated from them were identified as Staphylococcus, 25% as Streptococcus, and 13% as Micrococcus. Relating to antibiotic resistance, 83% of strains were resistant to oxacillin, and 50% to vancomycin. It is concluded that ants are potential mechanical carriers of bacteria, suggesting a nosocomial infection risk and strains highly resistant to antibiotics in hospital environment.