Abstract
Nosocomial or healthcare-associated infections are regarded as the most frequent adverse event that threatens patients’ safety and has serious economic and social consequences. Cockroach infestation is common in many hospitals, especially in the developing world. Common nosocomial pathogens isolated from cockroaches include Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Cockroaches also harbor epidemiologically significant antibiotic-resistant organisms, such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, which complicate nosocomial infections. Therefore, cockroaches constitute an important vector for nosocomial pathogens, and there should be zero tolerance for their presence in healthcare facilities. This paper aims to elucidate the possible role of cockroaches in nosocomial infections by reviewing the relevant research publications.
Highlights
Cockroaches are adapted to live in various environmental conditions and, they are found in every part of the world
It was observed that the drop in the incidence of hepatitis A occurred concurrently with about a 70% drop in the infestations of B. germanica, B. orientalis, and Supella longipalpa cockroaches at the Carmelitos Housing Project, which was the consequence of a concentrated pest control program
Cockroaches could harbor and disseminate many microbial pathogens including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Since many of these microorganisms are implicated in healthcare-associated infections, the presence of cockroaches in the hospital environment constitutes an important reservoir of vectors of nosocomial pathogens
Summary
Cockroaches are adapted to live in various environmental conditions and, they are found in every part of the world. There exist about 4000 species of cockroach [1], but only 30 are associated with human habitations, including the species Periplaneta americana, Blatella germanica, and Blatta orientalis [2]. Cockroaches are one of the most significant and objectionable pests. They are common in many human habitations, in places where food is stored or handled. The role of cockroaches in human infections had been inconclusive and an issue of debate for several years. There are hardly any review papers synthesizing the research data on a single platform to provide a global understanding of the role cockroaches may play in human infections. The author aims to describe the significance and possible role of cockroaches in nosocomial infections
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