DETECTION OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA RECOVERED FROM COCKROACHES (PERIPLANETA AMERICANA L. DICTYOPTERA; BLATTIDAE) IN HOUSEHOLD BENIN CITY

Abstract

In the present study we assessed the presence of bacteria pathogen from
cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) in different household and their surroundings
in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of seventy-five cockroaches (Periplaneta americana)
were collected randomly from 10 different household between June and July, 2013.
Standard culture-based procedures were used for the isolation and identification of
the bacterial pathogen. The bacterial pathogen was isolated from the external
surfaces of the cockroaches examined. The external surface of the homogenate
revealed that cockroaches are potential carriers of Bacillus spp., 10(13.33%),
Citrobacter freundii 8(10.66%), Proteus spp., 5(6.66%), Escherichia coli 10(13.33%),
Salmonella spp., 8(10.66%), Streptococcus spp., 10(13.33%), Pseudomonas
aeruginosa 25(33.33%), Enterobacter spp., 15(20.00%), Klebsiella pneumonia
25(33.33%), and Staphylococcus spp., 15(20.00%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
Klebsiella pneumonia were the most recovered bacteria from cockroaches. Proteus
spp. was the least prevalent bacteria recovered on their external surface. We
conclude that cockroaches are potential reservoir and can transmit pathogenic
bacteria within the community. Thus their presence in houses may be considered a
potential public health hazard and a sanitation challenge.