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Lozano J, Almeida C, Vicente E, Sebastião D, Palomero AM, Cazapal-Monteiro C, Arias MS, Oliveira M, Carvalho LMD, Paz-Silva A. Assessing the efficacy of the ovicidal fungus Mucor circinelloides in reducing coccidia parasitism in peacocks. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11352. [PMID: 38762506 PMCID: PMC11102495 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61816-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The biological control of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites using predatory fungi has been recently proposed as an accurate and sustainable approach in birds. The current study aimed to assess for the first time the efficacy of using the native ovicidal fungus Mucor circinelloides (FMV-FR1) in reducing coccidia parasitism in peacocks. For this purpose, an in vivo trial was designed in the resident peacock collection (n = 58 birds) of the São Jorge Castle, at Lisbon, Portugal. These animals presented an initial severe infection by coccidia of the genus Eimeria (20106 ± 8034 oocysts per gram of feces, OPG), and thus received commercial feed enriched with a M. circinelloides suspension (1.01 × 108 spores/kg feed), thrice-weekly. Fresh feces were collected every 15 days to calculate the coccidia shedding, using the Mini-FLOTAC technique. The same bird flock served simultaneously as control (t0 days) and test groups (t15-t90 days). The average Eimeria sp. shedding in peacocks decreased up to 92% following fungal administrations, with significant reduction efficacies of 78% (p = 0.004) and 92% (p = 0.012) after 45 and 60 days, respectively. Results from this study suggest that the administration of M. circinelloides spores to birds is an accurate solution to reduce their coccidia parasitism.
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Grants
- CIISA/FMV Project UIDB/00276/2020 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
- CIISA/FMV Project UIDB/00276/2020 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
- CIISA/FMV Project UIDB/00276/2020 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
- Project PID2020-120208RB-I00 MCINN, Spain; FEDER
- Project PID2020-120208RB-I00 MCINN, Spain; FEDER
- Project PID2020-120208RB-I00 MCINN, Spain; FEDER
- Project PID2020-120208RB-I00 MCINN, Spain; FEDER
- Project ED431B 2021/07 Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria, Xunta de Galicia
- Project ED431B 2021/07 Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria, Xunta de Galicia
- Project ED431B 2021/07 Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria, Xunta de Galicia
- Project ED431B 2021/07 Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria, Xunta de Galicia
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lozano
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Almeida
- Exoclinic - Clínica Veterinária de Aves e Exóticos, Quinta de Santo António, 1495-049, Miraflores, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Vicente
- EGEAC - Empresa de Gestão de Equipamentos e Animação Cultural, Castelo de São Jorge, Rua de Santa Cruz, 1100-129, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniela Sebastião
- EGEAC - Empresa de Gestão de Equipamentos e Animação Cultural, Castelo de São Jorge, Rua de Santa Cruz, 1100-129, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Antonio Miguel Palomero
- Control of Parasites Research Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Cristiana Cazapal-Monteiro
- Control of Parasites Research Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - María Sol Arias
- Control of Parasites Research Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
- cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Adolfo Paz-Silva
- Control of Parasites Research Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
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Lozano J, Cunha E, Almeida C, Nunes M, Dias R, Vicente E, Sebastião D, Henriques S, Madeira de Carvalho L, Paz-Silva A, Oliveira M. Analyzing the safety of the parasiticide fungus Mucor circinelloides: first insights on its virulence profile and interactions with the avian gut microbial community. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0407823. [PMID: 38534121 PMCID: PMC11064519 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04078-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasiticide fungi are considered an accurate, sustainable, and safe solution for the biocontrol of animal gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. This research provides an initial characterization of the virulence of the native parasiticide fungus Mucor circinelloides (FMV-FR1) and an assessment of its impact on birds' gut microbes. The genome of this fungus was sequenced to identify the genes coding for virulence factors. Also, this fungus was checked for the phenotypic expression of proteinase, lecithinase, DNase, gelatinase, hemolysin, and biofilm production. Finally, an in vivo trial was developed based on feeding M. circinelloides spores to laying hens and peacocks three times a week. Bird feces were collected for 3 months, with total genomic DNA being extracted and subjected to long-read 16S and 25S-28S sequencing. Genes coding for an iron permease (FTR1), iron receptors (FOB1 and FOB2), ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) (ARF2 and ARF6), and a GTPase (CDC42) were identified in this M. circinelloides genome. Also, this fungus was positive only for lecithinase activity. The field trial revealed a fecal microbiome dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in laying hens, and Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in peacocks, whereas the fecal mycobiome of both bird species was mainly composed of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes fungi. Bacterial and fungal alpha-diversities did not differ between sampling time points after M. circinelloides administrations (P = 0.62 and P = 0.15, respectively). Although findings from this research suggest the lack of virulence of this M. circinelloides parasiticide isolate, more complementary in vitro and in vivo research is needed to conclude about the safety of its administration to birds, aiming at controlling their GI parasites.IMPORTANCEA previous study revealed that the native Mucor circinelloides isolate (FMV-FR1) can develop parasiticide activity toward coccidia oocysts, one of the most pathogenic GI parasites in birds. However, ensuring its safety for birds is of utmost importance, namely by studying its virulence profile and potential effect on commensal gut microbes. This initial study revealed that although this M. circinelloides isolate had genes coding for four types of virulence factors-iron permease, iron receptors, ADP-ribosylation factors, and GTPase-and only expressed phenotypically the enzyme lecithinase, the administration of its spores to laying hens and peacocks did not interfere with the abundances and diversities of their gut commensal bacteria and fungi. Although overall results suggest the lack of virulence of this M. circinelloides isolate, more complementary research is needed to conclude about the safety of its administration to birds in the scope of parasite biocontrol programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lozano
- CIISA – Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eva Cunha
- CIISA – Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Almeida
- Exoclinic – Clínica Veterinária de Aves e Exóticos, Miraflores, Portugal
| | - Mónica Nunes
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Dias
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Vicente
- Castelo de São Jorge, EGEAC – Empresa de Gestão de Equipamentos e Animação Cultural, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniela Sebastião
- Castelo de São Jorge, EGEAC – Empresa de Gestão de Equipamentos e Animação Cultural, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- CIISA – Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Adolfo Paz-Silva
- Control of Parasites Research Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA – Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
- cE3c – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Zirintunda G, Biryomumaisho S, Kasozi KI, Batiha GES, Kateregga J, Vudriko P, Nalule S, Olila D, Kajoba M, Matama K, Kwizera MR, Ghoneim MM, Abdelhamid M, Zaghlool SS, Alshehri S, Abdelgawad MA, Acai-Okwee J. Emerging Anthelmintic Resistance in Poultry: Can Ethnopharmacological Approaches Offer a Solution? Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:774896. [PMID: 35237147 PMCID: PMC8883056 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.774896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited pharmacological studies have been conducted on plant species used against poultry helminths. The objective of this study was to provide a basis for plant based anthelmintics as possible alternatives against poultry anthelmintic resistance. The study justified the need for alternative anthelmintics. The study places emphasis on the increasing anthelmintic resistance, mechanism of resistance, and preparational protocols for plant anthelmintics and their associated mechanism of action. Pharmaceutical studies on plants as alternative therapies for the control of helminth parasites have not been fully explored especially in several developing countries. Plants from a broad range of species produce a wide variety of compounds that are potential anthelmintics candidates. Important phenolic acids have been found in Brassica rapa L. and Terminalia avicenniodes Guill. and Perri that affect the cell signaling pathways and gene expression. Benzo (c) phenanthridine and isoquinoline alkaloids are neurotoxic to helminths. Steroidal saponins (polyphyllin D and dioscin) interact with helminthic mitochondrial activity, alter cell membrane permeability, vacuolation and membrane damage. Benzyl isothiocyanate glucosinolates interfere with DNA replication and protein expression, while isoflavones from Acacia oxyphylla cause helminth flaccid paralysis, inhibit energy generation, and affect calcium utilization. Condensed tannins have been shown to cause the death of nematodes and paralysis leading to expulsion from the gastro-intestinal tract. Flavonoids from Chenopodium album L and Mangifera indica L act through the action of phosphodiesterase and Ca2+-ATPase, and flavonoids and tannins have been shown to act synergistically and are complementary to praziquantel. Artemisinins from Artemisia cina O. Berg are known to disrupt mitochondrial ATP production. Terpenoids from Cucurbita moschata L disrupt neurotransmission leading to paralysis as well as disruption of egg hatching. Yeast particle encapsulated terpenes are effective for the control of albendazole-resistant helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Zirintunda
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Savino Biryomumaisho
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Albeheira, Egypt
| | - John Kateregga
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Vudriko
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Nalule
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Deogracious Olila
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Mariam Kajoba
- School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Kevin Matama
- School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Mercy Rukundo Kwizera
- School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Mohammed M. Ghoneim
- Biology Department, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Abdelhamid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Sameh S. Zaghlool
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Abdelgawad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - James Acai-Okwee
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Groves PJ. Impact of parasites on Australian laying hen welfare. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an19693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cage housing systems separate the hen from her excreta and, thus, break the transmission cycle for most internal parasites. However, production systems where the birds are on litter or have access to the outdoors allow parasite life-cycle completion and, hence, these systems have seen a resurgence of intestinal parasites (worms, coccidia and histomonads). Effective registered anthelminthics are few in Australia and there are no registered products available to treat tapeworms in hens that are laying eggs for human consumption. Hence, internal parasites represent a challenge to the welfare of free-range and cage-free flocks. This is even more problematic in ‘organic’ production systems, as none of the effective treatments can be used. This is a considerable welfare issue for the organic system of production where the only measure available is lengthy range-area resting. External parasites can infest birds in any production system, although these too are regarded as more likely in extensive systems. Parasites are increasing in the layer industry and this is compounded by the parasites’ ability to infest a variety of bird species, making introduction from wild birds a significant source. New antiparasitic treatments that can be used during egg production for human consumption will be required in future.
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Viña C, Silva MI, Palomero AM, Voinot M, Vilá M, Hernández JÁ, Paz-Silva A, Sánchez-Andrade R, Cazapal-Monteiro CF, Arias MS. The Control of Zoonotic Soil-Transmitted Helminthoses Using Saprophytic Fungi. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121071. [PMID: 33371191 PMCID: PMC7766240 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are parasites transmitted through contact with soil contaminated with their infective eggs/larvae. People are infected by exposure to human-specific species or animal species (zoonotic agents). Fecal samples containing eggs of Ascaris suum or Lemurostrongylus sp. were sprayed with spores of the soil saprophytic filamentous fungi Clonostachys rosea (CR) and Trichoderma atrobrunneum (TA). The antagonistic effect was assessed by estimating the viability of eggs and their developmental rate. Compared to the controls (unexposed to fungi), the viability of the eggs of A. suum was halved in CR and decreased by two thirds in TA, while the viability of the eggs of Lemurostrongylus sp. was reduced by one quarter and one third in CR and TA treatments, respectively. The Soil Contamination Index (SCI), defined as the viable eggs that attained the infective stage, reached the highest percentages for A. suum in the controls after four weeks (66%), with 21% in CL and 11% in TA. For Lemurostrongylus sp., the values were 80%, 49%, and 41% for control, CR and TA treatments, respectively. We concluded that spreading spores of C. rosea or T. atrobrunneum directly onto the feces of animal species represents a sustainable approach under a One Health context to potentially reduce the risk of zoonotic STHs in humans.
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Maurer V, Perler E, Amsler-Kepalaite Z, Bieber A. Ascarid eggs disappear faster from gravel and wood chips than from soil. Br Poult Sci 2020; 62:1-7. [PMID: 32812785 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2020.1812525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
1. Ascarids (Ascaridia galli and Heterakis spp.) are highly prevalent in free-range laying hens. Ascarid eggs survive for long periods in soil, and one preventive measure is to add litter material to areas close to the henhouse. In this study, recovery rates of ascarid eggs from three common litter materials, namely pea gravel, beech (Fagus sylvatica) and spruce (Picea abies) wood chips were compared to recovery rates from soil. 2. Materials were mixed with faeces containing 1,408 ascarid eggs per g of faeces, placed in plastic fruit boxes and exposed to natural weather conditions in a randomised block design with six replicates per treatment. 3. Numbers of ascarid eggs were quantified at 28 time points over 3.5 years. Ascarid eggs were recovered for over three years from all materials and completely disappeared during the fourth winter of exposure. Time needed to get to a 50% reduction in ascarid eggs did not differ between litter materials and soil (242 to 269 days). A 99% reduction was reached significantly (P < 0.001) earlier in pea gravel (548 days) than in the three other materials, and earlier in the two wood chips (day 682 for beech, day 692 for spruce, P < 0.05) than in soil (1,277 days). 4. Accumulation of ascarid eggs in the area close to the henhouse can be reduced by any of the tested litter materials compared to bare soil. Adding litter to this area is highly recommended for free-range layer farmers in order to reduce numbers of infective ascarid eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Maurer
- Department of Livestock Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL , Frick, Switzerland
| | - E Perler
- Department of Livestock Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL , Frick, Switzerland
| | - Z Amsler-Kepalaite
- Department of Livestock Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL , Frick, Switzerland
| | - A Bieber
- Department of Livestock Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL , Frick, Switzerland
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Canhão-Dias M, Paz-Silva A, Madeira de Carvalho LM. The efficacy of predatory fungi on the control of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic and wild animals-A systematic review. Vet Parasitol 2020; 283:109173. [PMID: 32634679 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal parasites like nematodes are associated with significant impacts on animal health, causing poor growth rates, diseases and even death. Traditional parasite control includes the use of anthelmintic drugs, albeit being associated with drug resistance and ecotoxicity. In the last decade, biological control of parasites using nematophagous or predatory fungi has been increasingly studied, although systematic evidence of its efficacy is still lacking. The aim of this work was to assess the evidence of efficacy of nematophagous fungi in the control of nematodes and other gastrointestinal parasites in different animal species. METHODS Using the PICO method (Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes), we performed a systematic review on the subject to search for original papers published between January 2006 and October 2019, written in English, and indexed in PubMed/Medline. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were used in the syntax. Papers were selected for detailed review based on title and abstract. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and relevant data were collected from the remaining papers. RESULTS The literature search retrieved 616 papers. Eighty-nine were submitted to a detailed review. In the end, 53 papers were included in the analysis. The studies were very heterogeneous, using different fungi, doses, frequency of administration, duration of treatment, host animals, and target parasites. Considering the 53 papers, 44 studies (83 % of the interventions) showed efficacy, with only 9 studies (17 %) showing no significant differences when compared to control. CONCLUSION With the increasing hazards of drug resistance and ecotoxicity, biological control with predatory fungi stands out as a good tool for future parasite management, whether as a complementary treatment or as an alternative to standard parasite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Canhão-Dias
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - A Paz-Silva
- Control of Parasites Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - L M Madeira de Carvalho
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Soil fungi enable the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in wild bovidae captive in a zoological park: a 4-year trial. Parasitology 2020; 147:791-798. [PMID: 32127076 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020000414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The control of gastrointestinal nematodes among ruminants maintained in zoological parks remains difficult due to infective stages develop in the soil. For the purpose to improve the possibilities of the control of gastrointestinal nematodes (genera Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Chabertia and Haemonchus) affecting wild captive bovidae ruminants belonging to the subfamilies Antilopinae, Caprinae, Bovinae and Reduncinae, commercial pelleted feed enriched with a blend of 104-105 spores of both filamentous fungi Mucor circinelloides + Duddingtonia flagrans per kg meal was provided for a period of 3.5 years. All animals were dewormed at the beginning of the trial and also when exceeding a cut-off point of 300 eggs per gram of feces (EPG). The anthelmintic efficacy ranged between 96 and 100%. The need for repeating the administration of parasiticide treatment disappeared at the 24th month of study in the Antilopinae individuals, and at the 8th month in the Caprinae, Bovinae and Reduncinae. No side-effects were observed on the skin or in the digestive, respiratory or reproductive system. It was concluded that this strategy provides a sustainable tool for preventing the contamination of paddocks where captive ruminants are maintained, decreasing the risk of infection by gastrointestinal nematodes and consequently the need of frequent deworming.
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