Volume : IV, Issue : IV, April - 2015

Microbiology of Cockroaches–A Public Health Concern

Ojiezeh Tony Ifeanyi, Ogundipe Olawumi Odunayo

Abstract :

One of the indirect effects of arthropods is the transmission of disease to man, through mechanical means and

feacal contamination. They also act as an intermediate host of various parasites and other microorganisms. Cockroaches are insects of the order Blattaria or Blattodea, of which about 30 species out of 3,500 are associated with human habitats. About four
species are well known as pests and adapt readily to a variety of environments, but prefer warm conditions found within buildings. Cockroaches (Blattella spp.) have survived dinosaurs, ice ages, and who knows what since they first appeared early in Upper Carboniferous times.
Astonishingly, there is almost no difference in form between ancient cockroaches and those in our homes today. They are the only insects to
have lasted so long with so little change. Microbiological investigation of Cockroaches by early researchers showed an array of 29 different
bacterial isolates, 17 different parasites, 7 different fungi spp. and a number of exotic viruses including Hepatitis virus. Recently Cockroaches
have been implicated in the transmission of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. which are of serious clinical implication. These ubiquitous
and indomitable Cockroaches continued to multiply despite many control measures applied by man. Their involvement in transmission of
pathogens is a matter of public health concern and concerted efforts should be geared toward educating individuals and communities of the
potent danger of harboring them in our homes and then, there should be a total eradication of these nocturnal insect, if we must stay healthy

Keywords :

Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijsr  

Cite This Article:

Ojiezeh Tony Ifeanyi, Ogundipe Olawumi Odunayo Microbiology of Cockroaches–A Public Health Concern International Journal of Scientific Research, Vol : 4, Issue : 4 April 2015


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