Parasitic Infestation in Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) Obtained in Selected Areas of Metro Manila

Background: Cockroaches are insects recognized to be mechanical vectors of disease-causing agents but in the Philippines there is little information on what particular parasites inhabit these organisms.

Objectives: This study assessed the parasitic infestation in cockroaches obtained in streets and canals of selected areas of Metro Manila. It likewise assessed the diversity of the parasites seen on the external surfaces of the cockroaches collected.

Methodology: Cockroaches were baited along the streets and canals of randomly selected areas of Metro Manila. Parasitic organisms were isolated and identified from the external surfaces of the cockroaches collected.

Results: One hundred cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) were examined, and 36% of the cockroaches had multiple parasites seen on their external surface. The common parasite observed in the cockroach obtained was the rhabditiform larva (25%). Significant differences on the parasites seen on the cockroaches obtained from the selected areas were observed (F = 4.03; P = 0.02).

Conclusion: The cockroaches obtained in Manila had the highest diversity of parasites seen on the external surface, and those collected in Quezon City had the least parasite diversity although those in Quezon City had the highest parasite load seen in the cockroaches examined.