Stepping Stone Hospice joins forces with researchers

Stepping Stone Palliative Care Services is pleased to announce that their Hospice has been selected for a fly study led by Dr Charles Monyama and master’s student Bradly Khosa.

This study aims to detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria from houseflies and examine their resistance genes.

The housefly is known to be one of the most abundant and important vectors for devastating diseases affecting humans and animals. It is frequently and persistently found in human and animal habitats.

The duo placed bait traps around the premises to capture and collect housefly specimens, which will then be studied as part of their research.

The researchers said this study is helpful for hospices to take proactive measures in patient safety.

“We conducted this research to examine whether houseflies have resistance genes and whether this has any impact on patients. I started my research in 2019 while working with hospices in Free State, and I then decided to bring my study to Gauteng,” said Monyama.

Monyama, who holds a PhD in microbiology, stated that during his initial studies in Free State, he found that some pathogens were harboured by houseflies.

The researchers commended Stepping Stone Hospice for its excellent sanitation and high level of hygiene, acknowledging the extra precautions taken by the hospice to prevent the presence of flies on their premises.

Sr Margi Bollman, care services manager, said: “They approached us, and we decided that as Stepping Stone Hospice, we need to be open to all aspects of research. So we allowed Dr Charles and Bradly to come and set their traps. We gladly welcome their research.”