Burden of respiratory syncytial virus diseases among under 5 children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) in young children. To design preventive efforts in sub-Saharan Africa, a better knowledge of the true role of RSV in pediatric ALRIs is required. Therefore we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies to estimate the etiological role of RSV to ALRIs in under 5 years children in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: This study was done according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Sciences databases, and Google Scholar were used to retrieve articles. STATA software version 17 was used for data analysis. The results of all the included studies were standardized to odds ratios (ORs) with accompanying 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) and the pooled estimates of ORs, attributable fraction among the exposed (AFE), and population attributable fraction (PAF) were reported. The heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane chi-square (I 2) statistics. Result: A total of 6200 cases and 4986 controls from 14 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. The pooled prevalence of RSV among cases and controls was 23.52 % [95 % CI (20.68-26.47)] and 4.33 % [95 % CI (3.11-5.73)], respectively. The pooled OR is 7.04 [95 % CI (4.41-11.24)], which indicated a significant association between RSV and ALRI. Among ALRIs cases positive for RSV, the proportion of disease that was not attributable to the background rate (AFE) was 85.8 % [95 % CI (77.3-91.1)]. The fraction of ALRIs children that can be attributed to RSV (PAF) was 20.2 % [95 % CI (16-24.1)]. Conclusion: This study showed clear associations between RSV and ALRI hospitalization in young children in sub-Saharan Africa indicating the need for prophylactic measures against RSV in this age group.

Hospital-Based Air-Borne and Surface-Borne Bacterial Pathogens and Their Antimicrobial Profiles in Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia.

Background: It is well documented that hospital environments are the niche/reservoir of many clinically important microorganisms, including multidrug-resistant air-borne and surface-borne pathogens. This problem is the most pressing public health concern, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia, due to its poor infection management system. This study was planned to detect air-borne and surface-borne bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. Method: A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2021. Swabbing and open-plate sample collection methods were used to collect specimens. Standard bacteriological techniques were used to isolate and identify bacterial pathogens. The Mueller-Hinton agar was used to detect the drug susceptibility pattern of bacteria by using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Result: From a total of 323 samples tested, 118 (36.5%) showed the growth of bacteria. The detection rate of bacterial pathogens in the intensive care unit (35.4%) was higher than in operation theater. From the total of 118 bacterial isolates, 39.8%, 27.9%, 20.3%, and 11.5% of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and E. coli, respectively, were surface-borne. Whereas 37%, 25%, 20.83, and 16.6% of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella species, and E. coli, respectively, were air-borne. S. aureus showed a 19.04 to 80.9% range of antimicrobial resistance to different classes of antibiotics from surface specimens. A 12.5-100% range of antibiotic resistance levels was detected for all Gram-negative surface-borne bacterial pathogens. P. aeruginosa was 66.7%, 73.3%, and 73.3% resistant to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and ceftriaxone, respectively. K. pneumoniae showed 75% and 87.5% resistance to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin, respectively, and a completely ampicillin-resistant E. coli was detected. From a total of 48 bacterial pathogens identified from surfaces in the intensive care unit, 34 (70.8%) developed multidrug resistance. Conclusion: A significant prevalence of surface-borne bacterial pathogens was detected. This study revealed that S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and E. coli were nosocomial infection concerns of the hospital, and this could be the reason for different types of hospital acquired infections in the study area. A high prevalence of MDR was detected in the most surface-borne bacterial isolates.

The effect of ketamine versus tramadol on prophylactic post-spinal shivering in those patients undergoing orthopedic surgery: a prospective cohort study design, 2020.

BACKGROUND: Post-spinal shivering is a common complication after spinal anesthesia with a high incidence among orthopedic patients. Untreated shivering may predispose to exacerbation of wound pain, increased metabolic demand, oxygen consumption, and hemostatic dysfunction. Various studies have been done on the effectiveness of preventing post-spinal shivering using ketamine and other drugs. However, little information on better prophylactic agents in terms of effectiveness and availability. Therefore, this study was intended to compare 0.25 mg/kg of Ketamine (K) versus 0.5 mg/kg of Tramadol (T) for the prevention of post-spinal shivering. METHOD: A prospective cohort study design was employed on 516 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia, and they were selected by a consecutive sampling technique. Patients were divided into two groups based on the anesthetist in charge. Patients who received an intravenous prophylactic dose of Ketamine before spinal anesthesia are called Ketamine groups and patients who received Tramadol are called Tramadol groups (control). The severity and incidence of shivering, blood pressure, heart rate, and axillary body temperature were measured and recorded for one hour at 10-min intervals during the intraoperative period. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, independent t-test, and multivariable logistic regression were used. Significance was declared at a p-value lower than 0.05. RESULTS: The overall incidence of post-spinal shivering was 187 (36.2%), of which it was 74 (28.7%) on ketamine and 113 (43.8%) on tramadol with a p-value of 0.001. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was 157 (60.9%) on tramadol and 8 (3.1%) on ketamine, with a p-value of 0.001. Patients aged 18-35 years (AOR 0.08 (0.02, 0.27), 36-55 years (AOR 0.24, 0.07, 0.81), and those patients with a prolonged duration of surgery (AOR 1.47 (1.37-1.58)) were more likely to experience post-spinal shivering. And Low-dose ketamine has a protective effect against developing post-spinal shivering with an AOR of 0.427 (0.28-0.63). CONCLUSION: Low-dose ketamine is more effective in reducing the incidence and severity of shivering after spinal anesthesia. Therefore, we recommend using low-dose ketamine to be effective as a prophylactic for post-spinal shivering in those patients undergoing orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia.

Magnitude of Viral Load Suppression and Associated Factors among Clients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Public Hospitals of Hawassa City Administration, Ethiopia.

Background: A majority of clients on first-line antiretroviral therapy with an initial high viral load will resuppress following an adherence intervention. Some sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were found to affect resuppression. Few reports on the outcome of the intervention and its associated factors in our country, with inconsistent results and some missed clinical factors of potential association, have compelled this study. The study aimed to assess the proportion of viral load suppression and associated factors among clients on antiretroviral therapy in public hospitals of Hawassa City Administration, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study with retrospective document review was conducted among 342 participants on antiretroviral therapy enrolled for counseling since its start in November 2016. Data were captured using a pretested and structured checklist from all client charts with complete data, entered into EpiData 3.1.0 and exported to SPSS 27 for analysis. The proportion of viral load suppression was determined. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify associated factors. Statistical significance was determined at a 95% CI and P<0.05. Results: The proportion of viral load suppression was found to be 40.9% (35.7%-46.5%). Nevirapine-based antiretroviral treatment regimens (AOR 0.125, 95% CI 0.034-0.464), malnutrition (AOR 0.565, 95% CI 0.329-0.971), poor adherence (AOR 0.504, 95% CI 0.287-0.886), lower CD4 count (AOR 0.149, 95% CI 0.071, 0.314), and fewer counseling sessions (AOR 0.330, 95% CI 0.149-0.729) were significantly associated with viral load suppression. Conclusion: The proportion of viral load suppression is lower than that recommended by the World Health Organization. Nevirapine-based regimens, poor nutritional status, poor adherence, lower CD4 count, and fewer counseling sessions risk a lower proportion of viral load suppression. This calls for the need to devise strategies to address these factors and to revisit program implementation.

Predictors of Anemia Among HIV-Infected Children on Antiretroviral Therapy in Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Anemia is a global public health problem, and the majority of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive people become anemic at some point in the course of the disease. We lack adequate evidence on the magnitude of anemia among children on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia and particularly in South Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed at determining the proportion and associated factors of anemia among children on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Wolaita zone, South Ethiopia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2018 on 256 children from 6 months to 14 years of age who were on antiretroviral therapy. Data were collected through an interview with caregivers and review of medical records. CD4+ cell count was analyzed using FACS Calibur, and hemoglobin level was measured with a Hem cue 301 analyzer. Stool samples were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by direct wet mount technique. Data analyzed with Stata version 14.0 were conveyed in mean and standard deviation of the mean, median and inter-quartile range. Multivariate analysis was carried out to identify independent predictors of the outcome variable. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was reported. RESULTS: The proportion of anemia was found to be 38.8%. Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis (AOR=0.45; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.95), caregivers not receiving nutritional counseling (AOR=0.90; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.98) and presence of intestinal parasites (AOR=3.10; 95% CI: 1.39, 6.88) were associated with anemia. CONCLUSION: The proportion of anemia found in this study is a moderate public health problem. Health education programs in antiretroviral therapy clinics should be targeted at appropriate dietary practice, and appropriate hand washing and other hygienic practices to prevent intestinal parasitic infections. Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis should be given to all eligible children based on the recommendation.

Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among school children in South Ethiopia: post-vaccination era.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate nasopharyngeal carriage rate and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae among school children. RESULTS: Three hundred eleven (43.8%) became culture positive for S. pneumoniae. The carriage rate among children, 3-5 years old was 62.5%, which was higher than the carriage rate of 38.6% among 6-13 years old children. Age ≤ 5 years and co-sleeping with siblings remained significantly associated with S. pneumoniae carriage. 155 (49.8%) of the isolates were resistant to co-trimoxazole, 152 (48.9%) of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline, and 88 (28.3%) of isolates were resistant to oxacillin. Multi drug resistant S. pneumoniae was observed in 90 (28.9%) of isolates. There is high prevalence of S. pneumoniae in primary school children in our study area. Relatively high carriage rate of resistance to oxacillin, tetracycline and co-trimoxazole were observed. These findings provide baseline data for future studies to further compare pneumococcal carriage rates and antibiotic resistance patterns.

Predictors of stunting among children 6-59 months of age in Sodo Zuria District, South Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the decline in the rate of stunting in Ethiopia, the prevalence is still high and needs immense efforts to achieve the target set to reduce the prevalence. It varies between localities due to individual level factors and dominant livelihood practice in the community.Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of stunting and identify factors associated with it in Sodo Zuria district in South Ethiopia. METHODS: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 342 children aged 6-59 months paired with mothers/caretakers. Households were selected using systematic sampling. Structured questionnaire was used and mothers/caregivers were interviewed face to face. Standardized anthropometric measurements were used to measure length, and weight and height of a child. Data were entered into Epi Info software version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Height for age Z score data were analyzed using WHO Anthro software. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictor variables. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of stunting in this study was 24.9% with 7.9% being severely stunted. Being female (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5, 5.3), children aged 12-23 months (AOR = 7.1; 95% CI: 2.3, 21.9), mother's who do not use family planning (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1,5.7), children with diarrheal morbidity (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2,5.3), income of 750-1500 ETB and > 1500, and children who received pre-lacteal feeding (AOR = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.2-12.2) became predictors for stunting. CONCLUSION: Significant proportion of stunting was found where one third of them were severely stunted. Being female, children aged 12-23 months, using family planning, children with diarrheal morbidity, income and pre-lacteal feeding became predictors for stunting. So Gender-based policies should be enacted in child feeding practice, interventions should focus on the utilization of family planning and appropriate child caring and feeding practices. Water, sanitation and hygiene interventions need to be strengthened.

Magnitude of wasting and underweight among children 6-59 months of age in Sodo Zuria District, South Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of wasting and underweight, and identify associated factors in Sodo Zuria district in South Ethiopia. RESULTS: The prevalence of wasting and underweight were 11.1% and 14.0%, respectively. Wasting was significantly associated with male gender, diarrheal morbidity 2 weeks prior to the study and early initiation of complementary feeding. Predictors of underweight were diarrheal morbidity 2 weeks prior to the study and paternal illiteracy. The prevalence of wasting and underweight among under-five children is common in the study area. Diarrheal morbidity was associated with both wasting and underweight. Interventions targeting prevention of diarrheal morbidity through hygienic practices and creating awareness on infant feeding practices need to be implemented in the study area.

Spectrum of opportunistic infections and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in the era of highly active anti-retroviral treatment in Dawro Zone hospital: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aims to elucidate the spectrum, magnitude and determining factors of the major opportunistic infections in PLHIV patients currently receiving HAART. RESULTS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Tercha Hospital from 744 patient cards. The overall all prevalence of opportunistic infection was 658 (88.4%) developed OIs. Pulmonary tuberculosis, 118 (18%), severe community acquired pneumonia 107 (16.3%) and oral candidiasis 103 (15.6%) were the most common opportunistic infections. Disease stage [AOR = 3.22:95% CI 1.76-5.66], CD4 level [AOR = 2.53:95% CI 1.19-5.37], drug adherence [AOR = 3.02:95% CI 1.57-5.77] and hemoglobin [AOR = 2.49:95% CI 1.34-4.62] showed significant association with OIs. Higher magnitude of opportunistic infection with considerable proportion of AIDS defining illness was detected. So empowerment of skilled man power, health education and provision of antimicrobials is mandatory.

Multidrug-resistant pattern of food borne illness associated bacteria isolated from cockroaches in meal serving facilities, Jimma, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: An increase in the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in recent years is becoming worrisome. Domestic cockroaches can play a significant role in the dissemination of such bacteria between the environment and human beings. This study aimed at determining anti-microbial resistance pattern of food borne illness associated bacteria identified from cockroaches trapped in restaurants and cafeterias. METHODS: Trapped cockroaches were picked with surgical gloves, sealed in sterile plastic bags and transported to the Microbiology laboratory. Standard microbiological techniques were used to isolate and identify bacteria. Anti-microbial susceptibility testing was done using Kirby Bauer diffusion technique. RESULT: A total of five species of food borne illness associated bacteria were detected. Majority (57.1%) of the bacteria were isolated from the gut of cockroaches. More than 89% of the isolates were multi drug resistance (MDR). MDR was higher on gram positive bacteria. S. aureus showed 53.3% resistance against oxacillin(MRSA) and 33.3% against vancomycin. CONCLUSION: A very high percentage of MDR bacteria was seen in this study. Most of the bacteria tested were isolated from the gut of cockroaches. Potential factors associated with cockroaches that contributed to this high MDR rate of the isolates should be investigated in future.

Age-sex disparities and sub-clinical hypothyroidism among patients in Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical hypothyroidism is an elevation in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone above the upper limit of the reference range (0.45-4.5 mIU/L) with normal serum TT4 and TT3 concentration. The most important implication of subclinical hypothyroidism is high likelihood of progression of clinical hypothyroidism. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on medical records of patients referred at endocrine clinic Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa from 2010 to 2016. This study was conducted from normal ambulatory patients who have come in the hospital outpatient department since they experienced abnormality on their health status. During the study period, patients were complaining about their clinical symptoms. A total number of 9000 patients were included. Patients' card was retrieved by using standard extracted formats to collect socio-demographic and clinical information and laboratory measurements. Serum TSH, TT4, and TT3 levels were determined by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay method on ECLIA 2010 fully automatic analyzer at TASH nuclear medicine. SPSS 20 version software was used for analysis, and chi-square test was used to check the association between dependent and independent variables. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism evaluated to be 582 (6.47%), 4.6% in females and 1.9% in males. Four hundred and thirty-one (74%) patients had serum TSH levels between 5 and 10 mIU/L, and the average TSH level of subclinical hypothyroid patients whose age was ≥ 40 differ significantly from that of subclinical hypothyroid patients whose age was < 40. The average TSH level among female patients whose age are ≥ 40 differed significantly from their counterparts. Subclinical hypothyroidism patients more often reported having dry skin, poor memory, fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, and hoarseness. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of ScHt was 6.5% where females showed higher level than males. Age ≥ 40 became independent factor of subclinical hypothyroidism. The higher prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in this study could become a predictor for overt hypothyroidism, so screening for subclinical hypothyroidism prevents the later development of complicated overt hypothyroidism.

Burden of intestinal pathogens and associated factors among asymptomatic food handlers in South Ethiopia: emphasis on salmonellosis.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess the burden of intestinal parasites and Salmonellosis among asymptomatic food handlers at meal serving facilities in Sodo town. Antibiotic resistance was also common and increasing among Salmonella isolates with multidrug resistance as current concern. RESULT: Community based cross-sectional study was carried out from 387 food handlers working in meal serving facilities. Food handlers, 159(41%) had one or more intestinal parasites. A. lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite 30(7.8%), followed by Taenia species 26(6.7%) and Hook worm 23(5.9%). A total number of 35 Salmonella isolates were found of which Sero-group D was the most frequent, 17(48.5%) followed by Sero-group C, 12(34.3%), and B 6(17.1%). Ten (2.5%) isolates were Salmonella typhi. Raw meat eating, hand washing after toilet and after touching dirty materials showed significant association with intestinal pathogens. Salmonella isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (85.7%), amoxicillin and tetracycline 74.3% each. Multidrug resistance prevalence of 81.8% was identified. Periodic screening of food handlers is important in order to prevent the transmission of intestinal parasites and Salmonellosis. Treatment needs to be based on accurate laboratory detection to mitigate the spread of drug resistant Salmonella strains.

Extended spectrum and metalo beta-lactamase producing airborne Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumanii in restricted settings of a referral hospital: a neglected condition.

BACKGROUND: Frequently encountered multidrug-resistant bacterial isolates of P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii are common and prevalent in a hospital environment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of antibiotic resistance, extended spectrum and metallo beta-lactamase producing P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii isolates from restricted settings of indoor air hospital environment. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Wolaita Sodo University Teaching and referral Hospital, Ethiopia from December 1/2015 to April 30/2015. The Air samples were collected from delivery room, intensive care unit and operation theatre of the hospital by active, Anderson six slate sampler technique during the first week of the months, twice a week during Monday's and Friday's. Standard microbiological procedures were followed to isolate P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii. Susceptibility testing was performed on isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique. Extended spectrum beta lactamase production was detected by double disc synergy test and Imipenem-resistant isolates were screened for producing Metallo-beta lactamase. RESULTS: A total number of 216 indoor air samples were collected from the delivery room, intensive care unit, and operation room. Correspondingly, 43 A. baumannii isolates were identified (13 from delivery room, 21 from intensive care unit and 9 from operation room). Likewise 24 P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained (4 from delivery room, 13 from intensive care unit and 7 from operation room). Extended spectrum beta lactamase and metalo-beta lactamase production were observed in 24 (55.8%) and 13 (30.2%) isolates of A. baumannii respectively, whereas P. aeruginosa showed 15 (62.5%) extended spectrum beta lactamase and 9 (37.5%) metallo-beta lactamase production. CONCLUSIONS: Extended spectrum beta lactamase and metallo-beta lactamase producing bacteria in hospital air is a new dimension for specific setting of the study area where antimicrobial resistance is increasing and surgical site infection is prevalent. So, identification of these microorganisms has a great role in reducing the burden of antibiotic resistance and could also provide a significant input for framing hospital infection control policies.

Antibiotic resistant airborne bacteria and their multidrug resistance pattern at University teaching referral Hospital in South Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Hospitals provide a reservoir of microorganisms, many of which are multi-resistant to antibiotics. Emergence of multi-drug resistant strains in a hospital environment, particularly in developing countries is an increasing problem to infection treatment. This study aims at assessing antibiotic resistant airborne bacterial isolates. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Wolaita Sodo university teaching and referral Hospital. Indoor air samples were collected by using passive air sampling method. Sample processing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done following standard bacteriological techniques. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Medically important bacterial pathogens, Coagulase negative staphylococci (29.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (26.3%), Enterococci species, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium (16.5%), Acinetobacter species (9.5%), Escherichia coli (5.8%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.3%) were isolated. Antibiotic resistance rate ranging from 7.5 to 87.5% was detected for all isolates. Acinetobacter species showed a high rate of resistance for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin (78.2%) and ciprofloxacin (82.6%), 28 (38.9%) of S. aureus isolates were meticillin resistant, and 7.5% Enterococci isolates of were vancomycin resistant. 75.3% of all bacterial pathogen were multi-drug resistant. Among them, 74.6% were gram positive and 84% were gram negative. Multi-drug resistance were observed among 84.6% of P. aeruginosa, of 82.5% Enterococcii, E. coli 78.6%, S. aureus 76.6%, and Coagulase negative staphylococci of 73.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Indoor environment of the hospital was contaminated with airborne microbiotas, which are common cause of post-surgical site infection in the study area. Bacterial isolates were highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics with high multi-drug resistance percentage. So air quality of hospital environment, in restricted settings deserves attention, and requires long-term surveillance to protect both patients and healthcare workers.

Vector Potential of Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattidae) for Medically Important Bacteria at Food Handling Establishments in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia.

Cockroaches have been regarded as possible vectors of human enteropathogens. Their presence and crawl particularly in food handling establishments could be risky for human health. Therefore, this study was done to determine the vector potential of cockroach for medically important bacterial pathogens in restaurants and cafeterias. A cross-sectional study was conducted on cockroaches from restaurants and cafeterias in Jimma town from May to September 2014. Standard taxonomic keys and microbiological techniques were applied for species identification and isolation. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 16.0. All cockroaches trapped were the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattidae). Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated followed by Salmonella species (serogroups B, D, E, C1, and NG), Bacillus cereus, and Shigella flexneri. Wide varieties of bacteria of medical relevance were also identified. Of which, Klebsiella spp. 49(40.8%), Bacillus spp., and Staphylococcus saprophyticus were predominant. Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattidae) could serve as a potential vector for the dissemination of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Shigella flexneri, E. coli, S. aureus, and B. cereus and these bacteria could be a major threat to public health. Therefore, environmental sanitation and standard hygiene need to be applied in the food handling establishments in that locality.