Cockroaches play an important role in transmission of different diseases either mechanically and
occasionally biologically. The aim of current study was on the identification of cockroaches and their
contamination to different bacteria in two hospitals affiliated to the Kordestan University of Medical
Sciences which was performed in 2003. Cockroaches were collected from different parts using sticky
traps, direct collection, and by means of vacuum cleaner. Collected cockroaches were identified according
to the reliable systematic keys. Some of the collected cockroaches were selected randomly for the
presence of bacteria in their external parts as well as in the digestive tract using specific culture media.
Totally 450 specimens were collected. From which 44.4% identified as American Cockroach,
Periplaneta Americana
and remaining German cockroach,
Blattella germanica
. Among collected cockroaches 58
specimens of German cockroaches and 40 American cockroaches were selected to search for the presence
of bacteria. Results of culture media exhibited that 89.8% (88.98) of cockroaches were positive to the
bacteria. The bacteria were found mainly on external parts (67%) and remaining from alimentary canal.
The main common bacteria was found
Escherichia coli
, however, only 5.1% was E
scherichia sp., which
was found on external parts. Among two hospitals it is found that Tohid hospital was more infected
(97.5%). In the hospitals the infectivity of American cockroaches was more prevalent than other species.
All the American cockroaches and 70% of German cockroaches were infected to at least one bacterium.
Result showed that the presence of cockroaches in the hospitals can threaten the health of hospitalized
patients. Both cosmopolitan species was found infected in the hospitals. Sanitation of different
departments as well as different method of control is recommended in the context of Integrated Vector
Management for cockroach control.
