Formigas urbanas e seu potencial como como transmissoras de patógenos no ambiente doméstico e hospitalar

Abstract

The present work is a literature review about urban ants and their potential as transmitters of pathogens in the domestic and hospital environment. The species of ants most commonly found in these environments were presented, their dispersion capacity and potential as vectors in the transmission of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Bacteria and fungi that are potentially pathogenic and that can be transmitted through ants in the hospital environment have also been discussed. Ways to combat ants in the domestic environment often include insecticides based on chemicals that are toxic to humans. Thus, the possibility of combating these insects through alternative, natural and non-toxic forms was also discussed. The present work points to the need to expand scientific knowledge about these arthropods, so that we can better understand how the transmission of pathogens occurs through them and what are the ways to combat them.