New fear unlocked: urban ants as mechanical vectors of human disease

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15953250901131

• Palavras-chave: Insetos sinantrópicos. Formicidae. Formigas urbanas. Bactéria multidrogas resistente.

• Keywords: Synanthropic insects. Formicidae. Urban ants. Multidrug-resistant bacteria.

• Abstract: Ants are commonly found in domestic environments, mainly associated with sugary foods. In urbanized areas, these insects move around in search of refuge, food or spaces to form new nests, thus reaching our homes; Thus, the interaction between ants and humans can result in the occurrence of diseases of varying degrees of pathogenicity, from allergic processes to the transmission of multi-drug resistant bacteria.  By means of a research review, we address and discuss the potential of ants in the transmission of human diseases, as well as we highlight prophylactic measures, and control, to avoid these arthropods in homes and their surroundings.