Assessing the applications and efficacy of using helminthophagous fungi to control canine gastrointestinal parasites

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.

Nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia to control parasitic diseases in animals

The control of gastrointestinal parasites in animals has become more challenging every year due to parasite resistance to conventional chemical control, which has been observed worldwide. Ovicidal or opportunistic fungi do not form traps to capture larvae. Their mechanism of action is based on a mechanical/enzymatic process, which enables the penetration of their hyphae into helminth eggs, with subsequent internal colonization of these. The biological control with the Pochonia chlamydosporia fungus has been very promising in the treatment of environments and prevention. When used in intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni, the fungus promoted a high percentage decrease in the population density of aquatic snails. Secondary metabolites were also found in P. chlamydosporia. Many of these compounds can be used by the chemical industry in the direction of a commercial product. This review aims to provide a description of P. chlamydosporia and its possible use as a biological parasitic controller. The ovicidal fungus P. chlamydosporia is effective in the control of parasites and goes far beyond the control of verminosis, intermediate hosts, and coccidia. It can also be used not only as biological controllers in natura but also as their metabolites and molecules can have chemical action against these organisms. KEY POINTS: • The use of the fungus P. chlamydosporia is promising in the control of helminths. • Metabolites and molecules of P. chlamydosporia may have chemical action in control.