How Much Bacteria Does a Cockroach Have?
WouterCockroaches are known to carry large amounts of bacteria in their gut. These bacteria are found in the midgut and hindgut of omnivorous cockroaches. The majority of these bacteria originate in the class Gammaproteobacteria and are most abundant in the foregut. They are also less common in the hindgut and midgut. The foregut has an acidic environment that favors the growth of certain clades of Proteobacteria.
Cockroaches are also thought to transmit the Yersinia pestis bacterium that causes bubonic plague. This bacterium can cause serious illness and requires immediate treatment. If infected, a person should take antibiotics within 24 hours to avoid the onset of symptoms. In the fourteenth century, the bubonic plague was responsible for the death of over 50 million people. In 2013, the WHO reported 783 cases of bubonic plague with 126 deaths.
Cockroaches have been known to carry pathogenic bacteria for over 300 million years. The Bacteroidetes and Enterobacteriaceae are the most common strains isolated from cockroaches. Some cockroach strains have shown antibiotic resistance. This makes cockroaches a potential source of bacterial infections in homes and healthcare facilities. As such, it’s imperative to eliminate them from areas that have high levels of hygiene.
Cockroaches are hemimetabolous insects that belong to the Blattodea order. They have flat bodies, shield-like pronotums, and long antennae. They are also capable of surviving for long periods of time without food and water. Cockroaches carry a range of pathogenic bacteria and parasites. Some of these parasites can cause serious stomach illnesses.
