The role of cockroaches as mechanical carriers of helminth infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis of environmental and climatic impacts on public health

This study investigates the global prevalence of helminthic parasites in contaminated cockroaches, with a particular focus on identifying patterns based on climatic variable, geographic location, sample sources, detection methods, and cockroach species. From 2,884 articles, 39 articles had the eligibility to be included in the current study. The analysis revealed that the highest prevalence was found in household samples (0.399, 95% CI: 0.252–0.556). Specific species, such as <i>Blatta orientalis</i>, showed an exceptionally high prevalence of 0.885 (95% CI: 0.822 – 0.928). Regionally, Cameroon had the highest prevalence at 0.898 (95% CI: 0.856 – 0.934). Furthermore, environmental factors significantly influenced prevalence, with regions having annual precipitation over 1000 mm and humidity above 75% showing prevalence rates of 0.387 (95% CI: 0.164 – 0.638) and 0.590 (95% CI: 0.283 – 0.863), respectively. The findings indicate a significant global challenge posed by helminthic parasites associated with cockroaches, particularly in Africa and low-income settings. Higher prevalence rates correlate with factors such as household environments and specific detection methods, notably in regions characterized by warm and humid climates. These results underscore the necessity for targeted public health interventions and the implementation of effective pest management strategies to mitigate the risks associated with cockroach-related helminthiases.

本研究旨在调查受污染蟑螂体内蠕虫寄生虫的全球流行率，重点关注基于气候变量、地理位置、样本来源、检测方法以及蟑螂物种的流行模式。研究从2884篇文献中筛选出39篇符合纳入标准的文献纳入分析。结果显示，家庭样本的蠕虫寄生虫流行率最高（0.399，95%置信区间：0.252–0.556）。特定蟑螂物种如东方蜚蠊（Blatta orientalis）的流行率异常高，达0.885（95%置信区间：0.822 – 0.928）。区域层面，喀麦隆的流行率最高，为0.898（95%置信区间：0.856 – 0.934）。此外，环境因素对流行率存在显著影响：年降水量超过1000毫米、相对湿度高于75%的区域，其蠕虫寄生虫流行率分别为0.387（95%置信区间：0.164 – 0.638）和0.590（95%置信区间：0.283 – 0.863）。本研究结果表明，与蟑螂相关的蠕虫寄生虫已构成严峻的全球性公共卫生挑战，在非洲及低收入地区尤为突出。较高的流行率与家庭环境、特定检测方法等因素显著相关，尤其在温暖湿润的气候区域更为显著。上述结果凸显了开展针对性公共卫生干预、实施有效害虫管理策略的必要性，以降低与蟑螂相关蠕虫病的传播风险。