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Pathogens of Medical Importance Identified in Hospital-Collected Cockroaches: A Systematic Review
Ariel Crespo1,2, Yaxsier de Armas2,3, Virginia Capó2
1Centro Municipal de Higiene y Epidemiología, Bahia Honda 33800, Artemisa, Cuba.
Abstract:
Cockroaches serve as mechanical vectors for medically important pathogens, and their presence in hospitals is a common occurrence. This review summarizes the pathogens carried by cockroaches collected in hospitals around the world during the period 2000-2024 and focuses on their antibiotic resistance mechanisms and potential impact on the public health system. The conventional techniques are most used to identify microorganisms and determine antibiotic resistance, but there are few studies that use molecular techniques for bacterial identification and resistance mechanism detection. The species that appear most frequently in the selected articles were Escherichia coli (22 articles) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11 articles). Regarding antibiotic resistance, this review describes 79.0% (34/43) of the studies analyzed. E. coli and P. aeruginosa bacteria were found to be resistant to antibiotics in 51.2% and 25.6% of articles, respectively. The identification of pathogens carried by cockroaches collected in hospitals suggests a potential risk of these insects in the transmission of healthcare-associated infections, mainly in developing countries, where this issue is most alarming. The collected data suggest that integrated approaches to cockroach control and infestation management should be put in place based on scientific evidence.
Insights
Hospital cockroaches carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, posing a significant public health risk. Integrated pest management is crucial to prevent healthcare-associated infections, especially in developing nations.
Area of Science:
- Medical entomology
- Microbiology
- Public health
Background:
- Cockroaches are common in hospitals worldwide.
- They act as mechanical vectors for medically important pathogens.
- Their role in transmitting infections, particularly antibiotic-resistant ones, is a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pathogens carried by hospital cockroaches (2000-2024).
- To analyze antibiotic resistance mechanisms and public health implications.
- To identify prevalent bacterial species and their resistance patterns.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of global studies on cockroach pathogens in hospitals.
- Analysis of conventional and molecular techniques for pathogen identification and resistance detection.
- Data synthesis on bacterial species, antibiotic resistance prevalence, and mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Escherichia coli (22 articles) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11 articles) were the most frequent species.
- Antibiotic resistance was reported in 79.0% of analyzed studies.
- E. coli showed resistance in 51.2% of relevant articles, P. aeruginosa in 25.6%.
Conclusions:
- Hospital cockroaches pose a risk for transmitting healthcare-associated infections.
- Antibiotic resistance in these pathogens is widespread.
- Integrated, evidence-based cockroach control strategies are essential, particularly in developing countries.
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