It’s no secret that cockroaches are amongst some of the most resilient creatures on the planet. But did you know that they could also be a source of antimicrobial resistance genes? A new study has shown that cockroaches can spread genes that can make bacteria resistant to antibiotics and other antimicrobial treatments. This is a major public health concern, as it could lead to a decrease in effectiveness of various treatments. The researchers found that cockroaches are capable of transferring antimicrobial resistance genes from one species of bacteria to another, allowing them to spread even further. This could have serious consequences if these genes spread to other insects, or even to humans. The study is a reminder of the importance of controlling cockroach populations in order to prevent the spread of these genes.

Read Full Article Here

source: Phys.org