First molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in cockroaches.

Coronavirus is one of the main pathogens that primarily targets the human respiratory system. There are several ways to transmit this virus, such as direct contact or droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, and direct contact with fomites and surfaces is another way. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shiraz, southern Iran, in 2021.

First molecular-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the field-collected houseflies.

This is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 detection on field-collected Musca domestica housefly surface and tissue samples using the high-sensitive PCR assay which suggests the possible insect-borne transmission. The study was conducted in Shiraz city, southern Iran, in May and Jun 2020. Adult flies were sampled at the outdoor areas of two hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.