VECTORIAL POTENTIAL OF COCKROACH IN FEMALE HOSTEL, USMANUDANFODIYO UNIVERSITY, SOKOTO

Abstract

Cockroaches are widely recognized as significant mechanical vectors of intestinalparasites due to their ability to thrive in unsanitary environments and frequent contact withhuman habitats. This study investigated the vectorial potential of cockroaches collectedfrom female hostels at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. A total of 35 cockroacheswere sampled from three hostels, FBI, IA, and Zamfara and examined for parasiticorganisms on both their external surfaces and internal gut contents. Standardparasitological procedures, including washing, centrifugation, dissection, and microscopicidentification, were employed. The findings revealed that 22 (62.9%) cockroaches carriedparasites on their external body surfaces, while 14 (40.0%) harbored parasites internally.Eight medically important parasite species were identified across both sites: Strongyloidesstercoralis, Trichuris trichiura, Hookworm, Entamoeba histolytica, Toxocaria spp,Capillaria hepatica, Enterobius vermicularis, and Balantidium coli. The most frequentlydetected parasites externally were Balantidium coli and Strongyloides stercoralis(27.3%each), while Entamoeba histolytica, Hookworm, and Strongyloides stercoralis(21.4%each) were most common internally. The higher prevalence on the external surfacesindicates that cockroaches primarily function as mechanical carriers of parasite stageswithin the hostel environment. Overall, the study demonstrates a substantial risk of faecooral transmission of intestinal parasites among hostel residents due to cockroachinfestation. These findings highlight the need for improved sanitation, regular fumigation,and enhanced awareness among students to reduce the public health risks associated withcockroach-borne parasitic infections.