title: Incidence of bacteria of public health interest carried by cockroaches in different food-related environments.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of bacteria of public health interest transmitted by cockroaches in different food-related environments. From April to November, cockroaches were trapped in 11 buildings in different urban areas of Western Andalusia (Spain): three hotels, four grocery stores, a catering establishment, a food-industry plant, a health center, and a care home. The presence of a number of bacterial species, including Salmonella, in these food-related environments was confirmed; these species included microorganisms listed in European Union regulations, such as Salmonella spp., Enterobacter sakazakii (Cronobacter spp.), and Escherichia coli. A wide variety of species were isolated, some belonging to different genera that have a significant impact on public health and hygiene, such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella. To ensure adequate elimination of these microorganisms in food-related environments, the control of vectors such as Blattella germanica, Periplaneta americana, and Blatta orientalis, together with a thorough review of hygiene strategies, appears to be fundamental. It is clearly essential to compare the results of hygiene regulations implemented in food-related environments.
authors.affiliation: Health Public Laboratory, Delegación Provincial de Salud, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Notario
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Cabanás
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jordano
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Medina
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002947:Cities; D003058:Cockroaches / Q000382:microbiology*; D005522:Food Services; D007303:Insect Vectors; D011156:Population Density; D013030:Spain