Parasites of Cockroach Periplaneta americana (L.) in Al-Diwaniya province,Iraq.

Abstract

Out of 150 cockroaches examined in this study, 125 cockroaches (83. 33%) were infected
with one or several species of external parasites (33.3) or gastro-intestinal helminthes (80%). The
percentage infection and number of parasites of Cockroaches trapped in the toilets of houses more
than infection of cockroaches trapped from the kitchens of houses (100% and 50%respectively)
and 2-62 parasites/ml of Cockroaches trapped in the toilets while those trapped from the kitchens
was1- 28 parasites/ml houses.
A seven species were isolated from the external surface and intestinal tract represented two
protozoa and five nematodes. This species were:
Entamoeba blatti (33%), Nyctotherus ovalis (65.3 %), Hammersmiditiella diesingi (33.3 %),
Thelastoma bulhoe (51.4 %), Gordius robustus (Horsehair worm) (1.3%), Enterobius
vermicularis eggs , (2%) Ascaris lumbricoids eggs (1.3%). No Cestodes were records in the
study.
Prevalence of intestinal worms was statistically higher significant than the protozoa in (P<0.05).
The number of worms per cockroaches ranged from 1-3 while protozoa 42 parasites/ml.
Prevalence of endoparasites were higher than ectoparasites and intestinal worms was statistically
higher significant than the protozoa in (80%; 3. 3%) and (83. 3%; 65.3 %) respectively.
This study revealed Cockroach represent an important reservoir or carrier for medical importance
parasites of human in houses as Enterobius vermicularis and Ascaris lumbricoids .
The work presents the first record of cockroach's parasites in Al-Diwaniya.