Do desert cockroaches transmit disease organisms?
Short answer: Our desert cockroaches in the genus Arenivaga are not known to transmit disease pathogens. More information: Some cockroach species are known to transfer pathogens. The fact that some synanthropic cockroaches live in homes, sewers, kitchens, hospitals, etc. and feed on human foods, feces, and cadavers makes it possible for them to vector a variety of human disease causing organisms, both internally and externally (phoretically). They have been known to carry viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminths. At least 18 bacteria that cause human diseases have been found naturally in pest species. The American (Periplaneta Americana) and German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are species of medical importance.
