Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Ectomicrobial and endomicrobial flora of cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) from residential homes

International Conference on Medical Parasitology and Zoology

October 17-19, 2016 Houston, USA

Chideraa Obasi

Imo State University, Nigeria

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Bacteriol Parasitol

Abstract:

Study on ectomicrobial and endomicrobial flora of cockroach (Periplaneta americana) from residential homes was carried out. A total of 500 cockroaches made up of 250 (50.0%) adult and 250 (50.0%) nymph cockroaches were collected. Parts of residential environment studied include stores, kitchen, toilets, living rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms. After collection, the cockroaches were immediately transported to the laboratory for identification as Periplaneta americana followed by examination for microbial flora using standard bacteriological and parasitological methods. Out of the 500 cockroaches examined, 222 (44.4%) and 165 (33.0%) respectively were infected with bacteria and gastrointestinal tract parasites. The study revealed the presence of Escherichia coli (27.0%), Shigella sp. (12.6%), Bacillus sp. (23.0%), Staphylococcus sp. (20.3%) and Salmonella sp. (17.1%). Parasites identified were Gardia lamblia (11.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (18.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis (9.7%), Enterobius vermicularis (7.9%), Hookworm (14.5%), Balatidium coli (9.1%), Trichuris trichura (15.8%) and Entamoeba histolytica (12.7%). From the study, cockroaches can be vector of many bacterial and parasitic diseases since they are important reservoir of some bacteria and parasites, as a result control of this insect is very crucial.

Biography :

Chideraa Obasi is currently pursuing Master’s degree in Public Health from Imo State University, Nigeria. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals.

Email: chidera_obasi@yahoo.com