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Effect of Selected Entomopathogenic Fungal Species on Embryonic Development of Ascaris suum (Nematoda)

Summary

Researchers tested five types of fungi that naturally attack insects to see if they could control Ascaris roundworm eggs that contaminate pig farms and pose health risks. While none of the fungi directly killed the eggs, two species (Isaria fumosorosea and Metarhizium robertsii) successfully slowed egg development and showed potential for controlling parasites. These fungi appear to work by producing toxic compounds and enzymes rather than by penetrating the egg shells directly.

Background

Ascaris suum is a parasitic nematode that poses serious threats to livestock and human health through contamination of soil and water. The eggs are highly resistant to sanitation methods and have very high reproductive potential. Natural bioregulation methods using entomopathogenic fungi represent a promising alternative to chemical anthelmintics.

Objective

To evaluate the potential of five selected entomopathogenic fungal species (Beauveria bassiana, B. brongniartii, Conidiobolus coronatus, Isaria fumosorosea, and Metarhizium robertsii) in bioregulating the dispersive stages of Ascaris suum parasitic nematode.

Results

None of the tested fungal strains showed ovicidal effects or colonized egg shells. Ovistatic activity was observed mainly until day 14, particularly with I. fumosorosea, M. robertsii, and B. bassiana. M. robertsii showed moderate cytotoxicity while others showed low cytotoxicity. I. fumosorosea produced the highest spectrum of hydrolytic enzymes (13 out of 19).

Conclusion

None of the fungal strains met bioregulation criteria due to lack of nematocidal activity. However, I. fumosorosea and M. robertsii showed promise by combining high metabolic activity with nematostatic effects, suggesting their antagonistic effects may involve cytotoxicity and secondary metabolite production rather than direct egg penetration.
  • Published in:Animals (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 38136820, DOI: 10.3390/ani13243782
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