Bacterial communities of big-headed ants (Pheidole rugaticeps) and American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) revealed pathogens of public health importance

Abstract

Aims: Several cockroach and ant species have been revealed to infest households with inadequate insect control and food storage practices. These household insects harbor countless bacteria species of public health, agricultural and industrial importance. Many studies have reported disease-causing bacteria from both cockroaches and ant's species collected from hospitals and residential areas. The aim of this study was to characterize the culturable bacterial communities of two common household insects, big headed ants (Pheidole rugaticeps) and American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) using 16S rRNA genes sequencing. Methodology and results: A total of 64 bacterial sequences were obtained from P. rugaticeps (48.44%) and P. americana (51.56%) and Firmicutes was the most dominant phylum from both insect species. Bacillus was the most dominant bacterial genus from both cockroach and ant samples. Other important genera isolated were Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas which have previously been suggested to have members that are of biotechnological importance. Food poisoning bacterial species, B. cereus and other bacterial strains such as B. subtilis, A. baumannii, B. cepacian, P. aeruginosa, S. epidermidis, Burkholderia cepacian, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. pseudintermedius with the history of human infections were isolated from some of the insect's specimens. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Thus, these household insect pests harbor bacterial species known to cause diseases of serious public health importance that needs serious attentions. Similarly, the insects harbor other bacteria species that may provide opportunities for biotechnological exploration.