SURVEY OF BACTERIA AND PARASITE ASSOCIATED WITH COCKROACHES IN SOME SELECTED HOUSES AND RESTAURANT IN GIREI, YOLA NORTH

Cockroaches are recognized as important mechanical vectors capable of transmitting a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and parasites that pose serious public health risks. This study was conducted to investigate the bacteria and parasites associated with cockroaches collected from selected houses and restaurants in Girei, Yola North, Adamawa State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and a total of 100 adult cockroaches were randomly collected from selected residential houses and restaurants. Samples were transported under sterile conditions to the laboratory for microbiological and parasitological analyses. The external surfaces and gut contents of the cockroaches were examined using standard bacteriological culture techniques, biochemical identification methods, and microscopic examination for parasitic ova, cysts, and larvae. The results revealed that a high proportion of the cockroaches carried one or more pathogenic microorganisms. The predominant bacterial isolates identified included Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Parasitological examination detected the presence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm eggs. Cockroaches collected from restaurants showed a higher prevalence of bacterial contamination, while those from residential houses exhibited considerable levels of both bacterial and parasitic contamination. Statistical analysis indicated a significant association (p < 0.05) between the source of collection and the occurrence of microbial contamination. The findings demonstrate that c