Parasites of cockroaches in the university of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the ectoparasites and endoparasites of cockroaches at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The prevalence of parasites in cockroaches, their presence, abundance, and the role of cockroaches as potential carriers of human and animal parasites were determined. A total of 170 adult cockroaches were caught. Cockroaches were identified as Periplaneta americana 116(68.24%), Blatella
germanica 45(26.47%), and Blatta orientalis 9(5.29%). A total of 89.7% of P. americana and 42.2% of B. germanica were infected, while none were infected in B. orientalis. Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (87%), Strongyloides spp. (51%), Hammerschmiditiella diesingi (10%), Leidynema spp. (6%), Toxascaris leonina (0.7%) and unknown parasites (6%) were found in P. americana. A. lumbricoides (40%), S. stercoralis (8.9%), H. diesingi, and Leidynema spp. (13.3%) were found in B. germanica. P. ameriana caught in toilets were more infected (96.1%) when compared to those from dump sites (92.6%), classrooms (66.7%), and hostel rooms (87.0%). None of B. germanica and B. orientalis were caught in the toilet. Infected B. germanica were 20.0% in offices, 64.7% in dump sites, 30.7% in classrooms, and 30.0% in hostel rooms. Almost all encountered parasites were possible pathogens for both human and zoonotic diseases. The parasites can be spread easily by cockroaches as mechanical vectors. The university community, the government, and the general public should create awareness of health education and pest control management approaches to contain and manage the population and diseases of cockroaches at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.