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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach as an Alternative Non-mammalian Animal Model to Investigate Virulence, Pathogenesis, and Drug Efficacy
Published on: November 24, 2017
Current status of Blastocystis in cockroaches
M T Farah Haziqah1, M N Nur Asyiqin1, M K N Mohd Khalid2
1Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract:
There are few reports on Blastocystis spp. infections in invertebrate hosts namely, cockroaches. Due to their close proximity to humans especially to their dwellings prompted this study as these organisms could possibly play a role in human transmission. A total of 151 cockroaches consisted predominantly of nymph and adult stages were captured from several types of dwellings in the state of Perak and Selangor, Malaysia. Approximately half (40.4%) of the cockroach intestinal contents screened were positive and were found associated to two main factors, host-stage and types of dwellings. The granular and vacuolated forms were the most common cell form found in the in vitro cultures and were morphologically similar to B. hominis. However, the surface coat observed was thick with an electron lucent area observed in the central vacuole. The isolates grew in room temperature but optimal growth was observed at a 24ºC similar to the reptilian Blastocystis with a high number of cells were recovered. Using the DNA barcoding method, two isolates were identified as ST3 (allele 56), one isolate was consider as the new subtype with close relation to allele 114.
Insights
Cockroaches can carry Blastocystis, a parasite potentially transmissible to humans. This study found 40.4% of cockroaches infected, identifying new subtypes of this Blastocystis parasite.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Invertebrate Pathology
Background:
- Limited research exists on Blastocystis spp. infections in invertebrate hosts, specifically cockroaches.
- Cockroaches inhabit human dwellings, suggesting a potential role in the transmission of Blastocystis to humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis infections in cockroaches.
- To characterize the Blastocystis isolates from cockroaches.
- To determine the potential of cockroaches as reservoirs for Blastocystis transmission.
Main Methods:
- Collection and screening of 151 cockroaches from various dwellings in Malaysia.
- In vitro culturing and morphological analysis of Blastocystis isolates.
- DNA barcoding for subtyping Blastocystis isolates.
Main Results:
- 40.4% of screened cockroaches were positive for Blastocystis.
- Infection prevalence was associated with host stage and dwelling type.
- Isolates exhibited granular and vacuolated forms, with a thick surface coat and electron-lucent vacuole.
- Optimal growth occurred at 24°C, similar to reptilian Blastocystis.
- DNA barcoding identified ST3 (allele 56) and a potential new subtype related to allele 114.
Conclusions:
- Cockroaches harbor Blastocystis, with prevalence influenced by host factors and environment.
- The identified Blastocystis subtypes suggest potential transmission pathways.
- Further research is needed to confirm the role of cockroaches in human Blastocystis infections.
