The mechanical transmission of human parasites by cockroaches in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt.

Abstract

The role of cockroaches in the mechanical transmission of human parasites in Ismailia Governorate was studied. A total 1135 cockroaches, belonging to two families and four species, were collected from seven different sites using sticky traps. The cockroaches were examined for the presence of parasites. The total number of parasites was six, The Helminths were: Ascaris sp., Trichuris sp., Hymenolepis sp., Entrobius sp, and Taenia sp. The protozoa was: Entamoeba histolitica. The total prevalence of parasites in body surface was 12.1%, in the gut was 13.2% and in whole insect was 13.5%. The highest prevalence was recorded at the summer in whole insect with 18.8% while the lowest prevalence was at the spring on the body surface with 3.5%. On the other hand, parasites were not recorded in winter. The highest prevalence was recorded with Periplaneta americana occurring in the whole insect with 15.6% while the lowest prevalence was recorded with Blattella germanica occurring on the body surface with 12.6%. On the other hand, parasites were not recorded with Blatta orientalis and Supella longipalpa. The prevalence of parasites recorded in cockroach’s sexes and stages. The highest prevalence was recorded with females occurring in the whole insect with 20%, followed with males occurring in the whole insect too with 10.3% and the lowest prevalence was recorded in nymphs with 3.2% in the gut. The present study further confirms that cockroaches play an important role as mechanical vectors of protozoan and helminth parasites. Hence, it is recommended that appropriate control measures must be taken particularly to make human dwellings as well as food preparation areas, including hospitals, hostels, schools and farms free of cockroaches.