Comparative analysis of pathogenic organisms in cockroaches from different community settings in Edo State, Nigeria.
Cockroaches are abundant in Nigeria and are seen to harbour an array of pathogens. Environmental and sanitary conditions associated with demographic/socio-economic settings of an area could contribute to the prevalence of disease pathogens in cockroaches. A total of 246 cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) in urban (Benin, n=91), semi-urban (Ekpoma, n=75) and rural (Emuhi, n=70) settings in Edo State, Nigeria were collected within and around households. The external body surfaces and alimentary canal of these cockroaches were screened for bacterial, fungal, and parasitological infections. Bacillus sp. and Escherichia coli were the most common bacteria in cockroaches. However, Enterococcus faecalis could not be isolated in cockroaches trapped from Ekpoma and Emuhi. Aspergillus niger was the most prevalent fungus in Benin and Ekpoma, while Mucor sp. was predominant in Emuhi. Parasitological investigations revealed the preponderance of Ascaris lumbricoides in Benin and Emuhi, while Trichuris trichura was the most predominant in Ekpoma. The prevalence and burden of infection in cockroaches is likely to be a reflection of the sanitary conditions of these areas. Also, cockroaches in these areas making incursions in homes may increase the risk of human infections with these disease agents.
Department of Zoology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
Clement
C
Isaac
Department of Microbiology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
Philip Ogbeide
PO
Orue
Department of Microbiology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
Mercy Itohan
MI
Iyamu
Lahor Laboratory, Benin, Nigeria.
Joy Imuetiyan
JI
Ehiaghe
Department of Microbiology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
Osesojie
O
Isaac
D000818:Animals; D017164:Ascaris lumbricoides / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001234:Aspergillus niger / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001407:Bacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003058:Cockroaches / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000469:parasitology*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009549:Nigeria; D012499:Sanitation; D014258:Trichuris / Q000302:isolation & purification
Nigeria; cockroach; pathogen; sanitary condition