A potential role of cockroaches in the transmission of pathogenic bacteria with antibiotic resistance: A scoping review

Mapula Luckyjane Molewa; Tobias Barnard; Nisha Naicker

doi:10.3855/jidc.16893

A potential role of cockroaches in the transmission of pathogenic bacteria with antibiotic resistance: A scoping review

Authors

Mapula Luckyjane Molewa Water and Health Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0619-1448
Tobias Barnard Water and Health Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa
Nisha Naicker Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.16893

Keywords:

Cockroaches vector, pathogenic, bacteria contamination, drug-resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance

Abstract

Introduction: The role of cockroaches in the cause of disease or human infections is not immediately obvious. The present study aimed to review the currently available research on the potential role of cockroaches in the transmission of pathogenic bacteria and bacteria with antibiotic resistance.

Methodology: A scoping review included the studies published for a period between January 2001 and December 2020. A search was performed through five databases, namely, PubMed, Sage, Springer, Sabinet, and Science Direct. A search strategy used was conducted according to the principles of Preferred Reporting Item for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). From 97 studies identified, 32 studies were included in the scoping review.

Results: The findings indicate that cockroaches may be a potential vector for a diverse range of pathogenic bacterial agents. Most bacterial agents isolated are antidrug-resistant and antibiotic-resistant which is considered the greatest threat to public health in the current period.

Conclusions: Cockroach infestation should be considered as a serious concern, given the possible role of cockroaches as reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Further research is needed which can provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of cockroaches in transmitting human infections.

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Published

2022-11-29

How to Cite

Luckyjane Molewa M, Barnard T, Naicker N (2022) A potential role of cockroaches in the transmission of pathogenic bacteria with antibiotic resistance: A scoping review. J Infect Dev Ctries 16:1671–1678. doi: 10.3855/jidc.16893

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Issue

Vol. 16 No. 11: November 2022

Section

Reviews

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