Are Cockroaches Dirty?
Cockroaches ARE dirty.
If by definition you consider disease, bacteria, and virus transmission dirty, then yes, cockroaches are filthy.
Because cockroaches travel indifferently between waste and food, they pick up organisms on their legs and bodies spreading them wherever they populate. Cockroaches are linked with the spread of food poisoning such as Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. They may also spread the hepatitis virus, coliform bacteria, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. They have also been linked to the spread of typhoid and dysentery.
Not Only Dirty-They May Trigger Asthma
The argument that cockroaches are dirty takes a step further when considering asthma patients. Proteins present in cockroach droppings and saliva can actually trigger asthma in sensitive individuals. First reported in the 1940's, cockroach allergies are known to develop into acute asthma attacks. According to the Asthma and Allergy Institute Foundation of America, asthma that is reported in inner-city children is found to be directly related to contact with cockroach allergens. In fact, between 23-60% of urban residents that have asthma are sensitive to cockroach allergens.
Department of Entymology. North Carolina State University"Medical Significance of Cockroaches: Disease Transmission"http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/entomology/schal_lab/DiseaseTransmission
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources"Cockroaches"http://ucanr.org/news/?blogtag=cockroach&blogasset=44546&email=yes
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of AmericaWhat Is Cockroach Allergy?." www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=22&cont=312
"Are Cockroaches Dirty?." Sophisticated Edge. N.p., n.d. Web. . <http://www.sophisticatededge.com/are-cockroaches-dirty.html>.
.The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. It is not meant to take the place of health care or services you may need. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your health.
