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Observations of the effects of formaldehyde on cockroaches and their flora: I. Survival of vaccinia virus-infected cockroaches during fumigation with formaldehyde

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

C. A. Bartzokas ,
K. McCarthy ,
W. B. Shackleton  and
B. F. Baker
C. A. Bartzokas
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Liverpool, P.O. Box 147, Liverpool L69 3BX
K. McCarthy
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Liverpool, P.O. Box 147, Liverpool L69 3BX
W. B. Shackleton
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Liverpool, P.O. Box 147, Liverpool L69 3BX
B. F. Baker
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Liverpool, P.O. Box 147, Liverpool L69 3BX
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Summary

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In these studies it is shown that the common ‘British’ and ‘American’ adult cockroaches can survive exposure to formaldehyde fumigation carried out at double the strength and for four times as long as is recommended for disinfection of rooms.

It is further reported that vaccinia virus ingested prior to the fumigation survives in the cockroach gut and may be excreted up to 5 days later.

Since cockroaches are ubiquitous and are to be found in most hospitals, laboratories and animal houses, these findings should be considered whenever fumigation is called for.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 80 , Issue 1 , February 1978 , pp. 125 - 129
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

References

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