Abstract

Robert Belema, Amadi Nioking, Chukwu Harrison Obodo and Amuzie Chidinma Charity

Cockroaches have established a synanthropic relationship with humans and are vectors and reservoirs of helminth parasites of public health importance. This study assessed the role of the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) in the transmission of intestinal helminth parasites in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State-Nigeria. A total of seventy-eight cockroaches comprising thirty-five males and forty-three females were collected, euthanized with chloroform individually in a jar and examined for helminths using conventional methods. Parasites recovered were Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius vermicularis and some unknown ova. These were recovered from fifty-two (66.6%) cockroaches: twenty-three (29.4%) males and twenty-nine (37.2%) females. There was no significant difference in prevalence considering gender (p≥0.05) though Chi-square proved prevalence to be sex associated (p≤0.016). A total of 1,236 helminth parasites were recovered with the external body surface having a higher abundance (n=701) in comparison with the gut (n=535). Ascaris lumbricoides followed by hookworm was the most abundant species. Conclusively, P. americana was found to host intestinal helminth parasites of public health importance. Therefore, it becomes imperative to intimate residents on the potential role of cockroaches in the transmission of human helminthiasis and encourage sanitation and appropriate use of insecticides.