Authors : Awe, Omolara, Oluwafunmilola; Awe, Mercy, Toluwani

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5ev9zk67

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bdef6ukt

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar758

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This study investigated the role of synanthropic insects—such as houseflies, cockroaches, ants, and beetles—as mechanical vectors for antibiotic-resistant enteric bacteria in six open vegetable markets within Ibadan, Nigeria. While vegetables are vital to human diets, open markets in developing countries often lack the infrastructure required for proper food safety and environmental sanitation, increasing the risk of microbial contamination. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the diversity and abundance of these insect vectors in vegetable retail environments. Researchers recorded a total of 3,274 insects, categorized into the orders Diptera, Blattodea, Hymenoptera, and Coleoptera. Among these, houseflies (Musca domestica) were the most abundant (27.5%), followed by cockroaches (26.8%), ants (23.8%), and beetles (21.9%). Bodija Market recorded the highest insect activity (676 individuals), while Sango Market recorded the lowest (425 individuals). Statistical analysis indicated relatively similar community structures across all sites, with no significant differences in group distribution among the markets. Shannon–Wiener diversity indices ranged from 1.365 to 1.386, indicating relatively similar insect community structures across markets. Chi‑square analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in insect group distribution among markets (χ² = 13.55, p > 0.05). The widespread presence of these insects in retail settings highlights a significant pathway for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance within urban food systems. To mitigate these risks and safeguard public health, the study recommends enhancing environmental sanitation, implementing effective waste management and vector control strategies, and promoting public health education in open markets.

Keywords : Antibiotic Resistance, Insect Vectors, Vegetable Contamination, Mechanical Transmission, Food Safety, Ibadan.

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