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de Araújo JV, Fonseca JDS, Barbosa BB, Valverde HA, Santos HA, Braga FR. The Role of Helminthophagous Fungi in the Biological Control of Human and Zoonotic Intestinal Helminths. Pathogens 2024; 13:741. [PMID: 39338932 PMCID: PMC11434843 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13090741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Nematophagous, or helminthophagous fungi of the genera Duddingtonia, Arthrobotrys, Monacrosporium, Pochonia, Paecilomyces, and Mucor, have been used over the years in in vitro and in vivo experiments to control helminth parasites that are potentially zoonotic. These fungi have shown efficacy against the following helminth genera: Ancylostoma, Toxocara, Enterobius, Strongyloides, Angiostrongylus, Taenia, Fasciola, and Schistosoma. The results obtained from these experiments, together with studies on soil contamination, suggest the viability of their use as a sustainable and effective strategy to reduce environmental contamination by these zoonotic parasites. Therefore, the aim of this review was to address the role of helminthophagous fungi in the biological control of potentially zoonotic helminths. To this end, we describe (1) a brief history of helminthophagous fungi; (2) a discussion of some potentially zoonotic intestinal parasites; (3) the importance of helminthophagous fungi in the control of nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes; and (4) the potential of helminthophagous fungi as a practical and sustainable strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Victor de Araújo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa—UFV, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil; (J.V.d.A.); (H.A.V.)
| | - Júlia dos Santos Fonseca
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro—UFRRJ, Seropédica 23890-000, RJ, Brazil; (B.B.B.); (H.A.S.)
| | - Beatriz Bacelar Barbosa
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro—UFRRJ, Seropédica 23890-000, RJ, Brazil; (B.B.B.); (H.A.S.)
| | - Helbert Ananias Valverde
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa—UFV, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil; (J.V.d.A.); (H.A.V.)
| | - Huarrisson Azevedo Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro—UFRRJ, Seropédica 23890-000, RJ, Brazil; (B.B.B.); (H.A.S.)
| | - Fabio Ribeiro Braga
- Laboratory of Experimental Parasitology and Biological Control, Vila Velha University—UVV, Vila Velha 29102-920, ES, Brazil;
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Fonseca JDS, Valverde HA, Barbosa BB, Santos HA, de Araújo JV. Assessing the applications and efficacy of using helminthophagous fungi to control canine gastrointestinal parasites. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107180. [PMID: 38499132 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Helminths are a major challenge in dog breeding, particularly affecting young animals and posing a significant zoonotic risk. The widespread use of anthelmintics to treat gastrointestinal helminth infections in companion animals is common. However, these chemical products generate residues that can have adverse effects on animal, human and environmental health. In addition to the challenge of parasite resistance to treatment, there is an urgent need to explore and discuss complementary and sustainable methods of controlling helminthiases in these animals. In this context, nematophagous or helminthophagous fungi have emerged as a potential tool for the control of environmental forms of helminths. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the importance of these fungi in the control of free-living forms of helminth parasites in companion animals by highlighting the research that has been conducted for this purpose. In vitro experiments demonstrated the efficacy of fungi like Pochonia chlamydosporia, Arthrobotrys robusta, and Monacrosporium thaumasium in trapping and reducing helminth infective forms. These findings, along with soil contamination studies, suggest the feasibility of using helminthophagous fungi as a sustainable and effective strategy for environmental control. The current literature supports the potential of these fungi as an environmentally friendly solution for managing helminthiasis in dogs, benefiting both animal health and public welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Dos Santos Fonseca
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | - Beatriz Bacelar Barbosa
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Huarrisson Azevedo Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
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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, de Carvalho LM, Paz-Silva A, Oliveira M. First insights on the susceptibility of native coccidicidal fungi Mucor circinelloides and Mucor lusitanicus to different avian antiparasitic drugs. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:63. [PMID: 38388939 PMCID: PMC10885612 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03909-z] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combined application of predatory fungi and antiparasitic drugs is a sustainable approach for the integrated control of animal gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. However, literature addressing the possible interference of antiparasitic drugs on the performance of these fungi is still scarce. This research aimed to assess the in vitro susceptibility of six native coccidicidal fungi isolates of the species Mucor circinelloides and one Mucor lusitanicus isolate to several antiparasitic drugs commonly used to treat GI parasites' infections in birds, namely anthelminthics such as Albendazole, Fenbendazole, Levamisole and Ivermectin, and anticoccidials such as Lasalocid, Amprolium and Toltrazuril (drug concentrations of 0.0078-4 µg/mL), using 96-well microplates filled with RPMI 1640 medium, and also on Sabouraud Agar (SA). RESULTS This research revealed that the exposition of all Mucor isolates to the tested anthelminthic and anticoccidial drug concentrations did not inhibit their growth. Fungal growth was recorded in RPMI medium, after 48 h of drug exposure, as well as on SA medium after exposure to the maximum drug concentration. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary findings from this research suggest the potential compatibility of these Mucor isolates with antiparasitic drugs for the integrated control of avian intestinal parasites. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
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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, Lisbon, 1300-477, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, 1300-477, Portugal
| | - Eva Cunha
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisbon, 1300-477, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, 1300-477, Portugal
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisbon, 1300-477, Portugal.
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, 1300-477, 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, 27142, Spain
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisbon, 1300-477, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, 1300-477, Portugal
- cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1749-016, Portugal
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de Araújo JV. Advances in the Control of the Helminthosis in Domestic Animals. Pathogens 2023; 12:1107. [PMID: 37764915 PMCID: PMC10536594 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The damage caused by parasitic worms is related to delays in production, the cost of prophylactic and curative treatments and, in extreme cases, the death of animals [...].
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Lozano J, Louro M, Almeida C, Victório AC, Melo P, Rodrigues JP, Oliveira M, Paz-Silva A, Madeira de Carvalho L. Isolation of saprophytic filamentous fungi from avian fecal samples and assessment of its predatory activity on coccidian oocysts. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8965. [PMID: 37268693 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36120-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal strains used in the biocontrol of animal gastrointestinal parasites have been mainly isolated from pasture soil, decaying organic matter, and feces from herbivores and carnivores. However, their isolation from birds and assessment of predatory activity against avian GI parasites has been scarce thus far. This research aimed to isolate filamentous fungi from avian fecal samples and evaluate their predatory activity against coccidia. A pool of 58 fecal samples from chickens, laying hens, and peacocks, previously collected between July 2020-April 2021, were used for isolation of filamentous fungi and assessment of their in vitro predatory activity against coccidian oocysts, using Water-Agar medium and coprocultures. The Willis-flotation technique was also performed to obtain concentrated suspensions of oocysts. A total of seven Mucor isolates was obtained, being the only fungal taxa identified, and all presented lytic activity against coccidia. Isolates FR3, QP2 and SJ1 had significant coccidiostatic efficacies (inhibition of sporulation) higher than 70%, while isolates FR1, QP2 and QP1 had coccidicidal efficacies (destruction of the oocysts) of 22%, 14% and 8%, respectively, after 14 days of incubation, being a gradual and time-dependent process. To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the isolation of native predatory fungi from avian feces and demonstration of their lytic activity against coccidia.
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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.
| | - Mariana Louro
- 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
| | - Ana Cláudia Victório
- 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
| | - Pedro Melo
- Vetnatura - Serviços Veterinários, Lda., Calçada de Palma de Baixo, 1600-176, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - 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
| | - Adolfo Paz-Silva
- Control of Parasites Research Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27142, Lugo, Spain
| | - 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
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Marsh AE, Lakritz J. Reflecting on the past and fast forwarding to present day anthelmintic resistant Ancylostoma caninum-A critical issue we neglected to forecast. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2023; 22:36-43. [PMID: 37229949 PMCID: PMC10229760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Reports of anthelmintic resistance in Ancylostoma caninum are increasing in frequency in the United States of America (USA). In the last few years in vitro and in vivo studies characterized individual isolates, demonstrating multiple anthelmintic drug resistance (MADR). In 2021, the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists initiated a hookworm task force to address this issue. The first report of drug resistant A. caninum occurred in 1987 in Australian racing Greyhounds. In the last five years multiple case reports and investigations show drug resistant A. caninum is becoming a much greater problem in the USA and now extends beyond racing Greyhounds into the general companion animal dog population. The literature, regarding drug resistance in livestock and equine nematodes, provides helpful guidance along with diagnostic methods to better understand the evolution and selection of canine MADR hookworms; however, there are limitations and caveats due to A. caninum's unique biology and zoonotic potential. Mass drug administration (MDA) of anthelminthic drugs to humans to reduce morbidity associated with human hookworms (Necator americanus) should consider the factors that contributed to the development of MADR A. caninum. Finally, as Greyhound racing undergoes termination in some regions and the retired dogs undergo subsequent rehoming, drug resistant parasites, if present, are carried with them. Drug resistant A. caninum requires greater recognition by the veterinary community, and small animal practitioners need to be aware of the spread into current pet dog populations. The current understanding of anthelmintic resistance, available treatments, and environmental mitigation for these drug resistant A. caninum isolates must be monitored for horizontal spread. A major goal in this emerging problem is to prevent continued dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey Lakritz
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, USA
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