Anthelmintic Efficacy Research Articles

Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant activity and anthelmintic effect of Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) seeds in Lohman Brown cockerels

Helminths are diseases which exist frequently with the poultry. To cure these parasitosis, breeders use very often synthetic products which are source of food poisoning for the consumers. However, past studies showed that some plants are known to their anthelmintic properties. For sanitary biosafety, the current study aimed to gauge helminthic capacity of papaya seed and established the relationship between phytochemical composition and anthelminthic activity. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were carried out to identify phytoconstituents endowed with anthelmintic activity. Bioguided analyses were carried out in three months upon 260 Lohmann Brown cockerels which were divided in 5 batches: T-, T+, GP1, GP2, and GP. Cockerels of batches GP1, GP2 and GP3 received in their food papaya seed powder (5%) per month, respectively for one, two and three days. Batch T- did not receive any treatment but cockerels of batch T+ were treated by Levamisole (25%) on day per month. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of alkaloids, reducing compounds, flavonoids, tannins, proteins and coumarins as chemical group in the seeds. Bioguided analyses proved that the reduction rates of number of EPG in batches T+, GP1, GP2, et GP3 are respectively: 90.08; 28.00; 53.00, and 90.35, but it was negative in batch T-. Batches T+ and GP3 presented higher average weekly gains, while average cumulative weight gains were identical for batches T+ and GP3. Nevertheless, it was batch GP3 that provided the lowest consumption index. In fact, cockerel treatment with papaya seed present almost the same anthelminthic efficacy as Levamisole.

Treatment ineffectiveness towards Haemonchus contortus is highly prevalent in sheep and goat farms of North-Eastern Italy

BackgroundAnthelmintic resistance (AR) is a global threat to grazing livestock farming. In Italy, anthelmintic efficacy remains high compared to other European countries, but many parts of the country haven’t been investigated yet. Local veterinary practitioners from Trentino and Veneto regions reported suspected inefficacy towards anthelmintic drugs in some of their farms, prompting a study on AR in sheep and goat farms of northern Italy. The study aimed to assess anthelmintic effectiveness using genus-specific faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT), to detect differences in treatment response among nematode genera involved in the infection.ResultsTwelve farms (6 sheep and 6 goat farms) were included based on clinical suspicion of AR. Treatments were carried out with either benzimidazoles (BZ) or macrocyclic lactones (ML) Treatment was effective in 3/6 goat trials, with reduced effectiveness to BZ in two farms and to ML the last one. In sheep farms (6/6), effectiveness was consistently and more severely insufficient. Ineffectiveness was particularly high towards Haemonchus contortus, while Oesophagostomum/Chabertia maintained susceptibility in nearly all trials. Trichostrongylus/Teladorsagia exhibited intermediate results.ConclusionsThis study reveals diminished efficacy of both BZ and ML in small ruminant farms in north-eastern Italy, an area previously lacking data on the topic, except for goats in South Tyrol. Variability in treatment responses among nematode genera support suspicions of AR, and further concerns are raised by the prevalence of treatment ineffectiveness against the highly pathogenic Haemonchus contortus. This finding underscores the urgent need for comprehensive AR monitoring in the area and improved management practices to prevent further resistance development and protect livestock health.

Silver nanoparticles exhibit in vitro anthelmintic and antimicrobial activities against Dactylogyrus minutus (Kulwieć, 1927), and Aeromonas hydrophila in Cyprinus carpio Koi

The study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anthelminthic and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Dactylogyrus minutus and Aeromonas hydrophila, pathogens of Cyprinus carpio Koi. Gill arches of the fish were removed and placed into six-well plates containing 10 mL of tank water with varying concentrations of AgNPs: 100, 400, 500, 600, and 800 mg/L, along with control groups using tank water and distilled water. Each group was tested in triplicate. Parasites were observed every 10 min for 300 min (5 h) using a stereomicroscope, and mortality rates were recorded. Anthelminthic efficacy was calculated at the end of the tests. For the in vitro antimicrobial test, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of AgNPs was determined by adding 100 μL of Poor Broth (PB) culture medium to all 96 wells of a microplate. The first well was filled with 100 μL of AgNPs, followed by serial dilutions (1:2 ratio). Subsequently, 50 μL of A. hydrophila (1 × 107 CFU/mL) was added to all wells and incubated for 24 h at 28 °C. Results showed that 800 mg/L of AgNPs achieved 87% anthelminthic efficacy within 300 min, while 100 mg/L achieved 47% efficacy. The MIC showed bacterial growth inhibition at 125 mg/mL. Despite the 87% efficacy against parasites within 300 min, AgNPs did not reach 100% efficacy quickly, limiting their potential use in ornamental fish farming. Further studies are needed to assess the toxicity of AgNPs in fish.

Anthelmintic Activity of Carica papaya Leaf Extracts: Insights from In Vitro and In Silico Investigations.

Helminthiasis remains a major global health concern. Exploring natural alternatives due to drug resistance and synthetic drug side effects has become increasingly urgent. This study investigates the anthelmintic potential of Carica papaya leaf extracts (CPLE) against Allolobophora caliginosa, along with elucidating the underlying structural alterations and molecular interactions. Carica papaya underwent methanolic extraction. Gas chromatography- mass spectrometry analysis revealed 11 active phytochemical compounds within CPLE. The anthelmintic activity was evaluated against A. caliginosa, with CPLE demonstrating efficacy comparable to albendazole. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy depicted structural modifications in worms exposed to CPLE, characterized by reduced size, uniform shrinkage, and increased cuticle thickness. Molecular docking studies with proteins Ascaris lumbricoides β-tubulin and Trichuris trichiura β-tubulin revealed potential binding interactions of CPLE compounds, notably Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester, and Albendazole oxide. Conclusión: These findings suggest the anthelmintic efficacy of CPLE and provide insights into its mode of action at the molecular level.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) Calyx Wastes as a Promising Anthelmintic Agent Against Poultry Pathogen Raillietina spp.

AbstractIn this study, we explore the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using calyx wastes from Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) and evaluate their anthelmintic potential against poultry pathogen Raillietina spp. The ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectrum of nanoparticles showed an absorbance peak at 425 nm, confirming AgNP formation. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) analysis indicated the presence of functional groups responsible for reducing silver ions, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the crystallinity of the nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) analyses were used to measure the size (20–50 nm) and morphology (spherical) of the synthesized AgNPs. The dose‐dependent in vitro anthelmintic efficacy was highest at 125 μg/ml of AgNPs, resulting in paralysis and death within 0.54 and 1.29 hours, respectively, while untreated control parasites survived for ~72 hours. The SEM micrographs of the treated parasites showed swelling and blebbing of the tegument. Histochemical localization studies showed a remarkable decline of tegumental and neurotransmitter enzymes involved with the parasite's metabolism and regulation of the endogenous physiological processes. This study underscores the potential of okra calyces in the green synthesis of AgNPs and provides a novel approach to developing alternative anthelmintics that interfere with the host‐parasite interface.

Evaluating alternative compounds for strongyloidiasis therapy: Novel insights from larval migration inhibition test.

Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease estimated to affect more than 600 million people worldwide. Recently, the World Health Organization road map on neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030 has put the focus on strongyloidiasis, including this disease within its mass drug administration campaigns. With the use of ivermectin in extensive treatment of all populations at-risk, identifying effective therapeutic alternatives is crucial in case ivermectin resistance arises. The objective of the present study was the development of a larval migration inhibition assay to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of commercial drugs and diamine and aminoalcohol derivatives against infective Strongyloides ratti third stage larvae. Through this technique, we successfully screened and estimated the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of six commercial drugs, seven diamine derivatives and eight aminoalcohol derivatives. Unexpectedly, the half-maximal effective concentration of ivermectin and moxidectin (2.21 and 2.34 μM, respectively) were observed as the highest value obtained among all commercial drugs tested by this in vitro technique. Moreover, some diamine and aminoalcohol derivatives showed superior efficacy inhibiting S. ratti motility compared to ivermectin, with five compounds (AA23, AA34, AO2 AO7 and AO14b) also displaying selectivity indexes on HepG2 and Caco2 higher than 1. These findings underscore the potential of these derivatives as promising alternatives for strongyloidiasis treatment, warranting further investigation and in vivo efficacy assessment.

Anthelmintic efficacy of Fenbendazole and Niclosamide suspensions obtained by liquid phase mechano-chemical treatment

The purpose of the research is to study the anthelmintic efficacy of suspensions based on a combined solid dispersion of Fenbendazole and Niclosamide.Materials and methods. Mechanochemistry methods were used to prepare suspensions of Fenbendazole (FBZ) and Niclosamide (NSM) substances, in particular, liquid phase grinding of substances with additives (licorice extract, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)) in water or in aqueous sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) solution. The grinding was conducted in LE-101 roller mill at energy intensity of 1 g for 1 hour at a roll rotation speed of 60–70 rpm. The resulting suspension samples of combined FBZ and NSM dispersions were studied for cestodocidal activity on a laboratory model of hymenolepiosis of white mice that were infected at a dose of 200 infective Hymenolepis nana eggs per animal.Results and discussion. The 100% efficacy of a combined NaCMC-based drug suspension containing FBZ 13 mg and NSM 130 mg in 1 g of suspension was achieved at a dose of 20 mg/kg of NSM and 2 mg/kg of FBZ. The suspension based on licorice extract, NaCMC, and dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt containing FBZ 18.6 mg and NSM 186 mg in 1 g of suspension at the same dose, i.e. 20 mg/kg of NSM and 2 mg/kg of FBZ showed 71.43% efficacy against H. nana. The suspension based on licorice extract and NaCMC containing FBZ 24.6 mg and NSM 246 mg in 1 g of suspension at the same dose showed a 62.0% effect against H. nana. The activity of the basic drug, the FBZ and NSM suspension was 28.58% at this dose without using mechano-chemical treatment.

Dioscorea hispida (Dennst.) Tuber: Unraveling The Phytochemical Basis for Anthelmintic and Antifungal effects

Tropical diseases are prevalent ailments that manifest in tropical and subtropical regions in 149 countries. Various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and worms, are responsible for the onset of tropical diseases. This infectious disease is frequently observed in nations with lower economic resources. The tubers of Dioscorea hispida possess the capacity to demonstrate anthelmintic and antifungal characteristics as a result of the existence of secondary metabolites. The tuber of Dioscorea hispida will undergo extraction followed by liquid-liquid fractionation using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol-water solvents. The antifungal activity of the extracts and fractions was evaluated in vitro against Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes for antifungal activity, and the anthelmintic activity was evaluated in vitro against Pheretima posthuma during paralysis and death for anthelmintic activity The extract Dioscorea hispida (Dennst) tuber showed good anthelmintic and antifungal efficacy; The phytochemical component in the ethyl acetate fraction had the highest performance at a concentration of 30 g/L with paralysis time of 23.90±2.94 and death time of 34.20±2.31 for anthelmintic, in line with that the ethyl acetate fraction also has antifungal activity which is strong at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 5 g/L with an inhibition zone diameter of 11.00 ± 0.40. The ethyl acetate fraction contains several metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins, which exhibit notable effectiveness as anthelmintics and antifungals.

An Insight into Practices Associated with the Control of Internal Parasites in the Dairy Goat Herds of Romania: A Questionnaire Survey.

The widespread and uncontrolled use of anthelmintic products has contributed to the emergence of anthelmintic resistance (AR). This phenomenon globally threatens the productivity and welfare of small ruminants. A questionnaire consisting of 34 questions was handed to 234 goat farmers across Romania to gain insight into control practices against internal parasites and the farmers' perception of the parasitic infections present in their herds and the efficacy of anthelmintic treatments. The majority of farmers (88.5%) admitted they had never submitted fecal samples for parasitological laboratory analysis, and 77.4% had treated the animals on their own. In general, the farmers dewormed their goats based on visual body weight estimation. Prophylactic anthelmintic treatment was practiced by more than 85% of the farmers. A traditional control approach based on treating the entire herd at fixed time intervals is widespread among Romanian goat and sheep farmers. The most commonly used anthelmintic drugs in the previous 3 years (2021-2023) were benzimidazoles (85.5%) and macrocyclic lactones (81.6%). Poor anthelmintic efficacy was suspected by 14.5% of farmers, and the minority (18.0%) considered internal parasites as a problem in their herds. Regarding the farmers' perception of the presence of parasites, there was a significant level of uncertainty. This is the first survey carried out in Romanian goat herds, and it provides up-to-date information on practices aimed at controlling internal parasites.

Anthelmintic Efficacy and Phytochemical Screening of Ethanolic Extract of the Discarded Schumannianthus dichotomus Stem-a Waste Product of the Local Handicraft Industry of Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India

Anthelmintic Efficacy and Phytochemical Screening of Ethanolic Extract of the Discarded Schumannianthus dichotomus Stem-a Waste Product of the Local Handicraft Industry of Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India

Antimicrobial and anthelmintic effects of copper nanoparticles against Koi carp parasites and their toxicity.

This study investigated the invitro antimicrobial and anthelmintic effect of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) against the bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila, the monogeneans Dactylogyrus minutus, Dactylogyrus extensus, Gyrodactylus cyprini, and the cestode Schyzocotyle acheilognathi, as well as their toxicity to Cyprinus carpio Koi. In the antimicrobial invitro test, the inhibition zone method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were performed. In order to determine the time and efficacy of monogenean parasite mortality, the parasites were exposed to CuNP concentrations of 20, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 mg L-1, and a control group with tank water and one with copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) at a concentration of 0.3 mg L-1, performed in triplicate. The parasites were observed every 10 min for 300 min, and mortality was recorded. For the cestodes, parasites were immersed in CuNP concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 300 mg L-1. At the end of the invitro tests, the anthelmintic efficacy of each treatment was calculated. To assess the tolerance and toxicity in fish, they were exposed to CuNP concentrations of 0.6, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 50 mg L-1 for 12 h. The MIC demonstrated that CuNPs effectively inhibited the growth of A. hydrophila up to a dilution of 12,500 mg L-1 and showed an inhibition zone of 14.0 ± 1.6 mm for CuNPs. The results of anthelmintic activity showed a dose-dependent effect of concentration for both groups of parasites, with the most effective concentration being 300 mg L-1 in 120 min. In the toxicity test, the carps showed tolerance to lower concentrations. The study indicated that CuNPs were effective against the studied pathogens. However, it proved to be toxic to fish at high concentrations. The use of low concentrations is recommended still requires further investigation.

The effect of anthelmintic treatment and efficacy on the faecal microbiota of healthy adult horses

Changes to the faecal microbiota of horses associated with administration of anthelmintic drugs is poorly defined. This study included horses with cyathostomin infection where susceptibility and resistance to oxfendazole and abamectin was known. This study assessed the changes to the faecal microbiota associated with administration of two different anthelmintics in this population. Twenty-four adult horses were included. Faecal egg counts were performed on all horses prior to random allocation into abamectin (n=8), oxfendazole (n=8) or Control groups (n=8) and at Day 14 post treatment. Faecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis prior to anthelmintic administration and on Day 3 and Day 14. From each faecal sample, DNA was extracted prior to PCR amplification, next generation sequencing and analysis using QIIME2. Anthelmintic treatment was associated with changes in alpha diversity (p <0.05), with increased evenness and diversity at Day 14 and increased richness at Day 3 within the abamectin group. Differences in relative abundance of bacteria at the phyla, family and genus taxonomic levels occurred after treatment; indicating that the microbiota was altered with anthelmintic administration. The results support that anthelmintic administration and removal of cyathostomins from the large intestine of horses is associated with changes in the faecal microbiota. The results suggest that removal of cyathostomins is associated with greater differences in microbiota, compared to anthelmintic drug administration that is ineffective in reducing cyathostomin infection. Cyathostomin removal was supported by adequate reduction of faecal egg counts, determined by faecal egg count reduction testing.

Unravelling the Effectiveness of Anthelmintic Treatments on Equine Strongyles on Irish Farms.

Over the preceding decades, the widespread dependence on anthelmintic drugs for managing nematodes in grazing equids has given rise to resistance against commonly used anthelmintics in various countries. This study explores the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance across 44 horse farms in Ireland. Anthelmintic efficacy was evaluated through fecal egg count reduction (FECR) tests employing the mini-FLOTAC technique. Resistance to benzimidazoles was identified in 12 out of 14 farms (FECR range: 0.00% to 86.2%). Ivermectin resistance was observed on two farms, one with an FECR of 80.70% and another with an FECR of 96.10% (lower 95% high probability density interval (HPD) <90%, 11.70%). On the remaining six farms, the reduction with ivermectin still exceeded 95%. The reduced efficacy of moxidectin was noted on two farms (FECR = 86.90% and 93.50%) and on a third farm with an FECR of 99.50 and a lower HPD interval < 90% at 24.00%. In summary, these findings emphasize the urgent need for alternative strategies in equine strongyle control that reduce reliance on anthelmintics and prioritize effective management practices on Irish equine farms to hinder the impending development of drug-resistant parasite populations.

Evaluation of anthelmintic and antioxidant efficacy of green-synthesized copper nanoparticles derived from Erioglossum rubiginosum leaf and seed aqueous extracts

The green synthesis of copper nanoparticles refers to the preparation of nanoparticles using eco-friendly and sustainable processes, often involving plant extracts, microorganisms, or other natural sources. As a sustainable approach with many potential applications, plant extracts could be used for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles. The green synthesis of copper nanoparticles from plants, such as Erioglossum rubiginosum, involves using leaf and seed extracts to reduce copper ions to form nanoparticles. Primarily, copper nanoparticles are confirmed by visual observation of the aluminum vessel’s inner wall exhibiting a glossy, reddish-brown precipitate. Further, the UV–Vis spectrophotometer is employed to detect the presence of CuNPs. The peak is at 631 nm, which is unique to CuNPs. FTIR data show the presence of a capping agent which stabilizes copper nanoparticles. The peaks at 3,265 cm−1 for the hydroxy group (H-bonded OH stretch) indicate alcohols and phenols; 1610 cm−1 for aromatic ring stretch; and 1,075 cm−1 for aliphatic fluoro compounds (C–F stretch). DPPH reducing power assay is used to verify the antioxidant activity. Both plant extracts and the synthesized CuNPs showed considerable antioxidant activity. The seed and leaf extract of Erioglossum rubiginosum used for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles served as a capping agent due to the presence of antioxidant phytoconstituents. Then, we used Paramphistomum cervi to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of aqueous extracts of leaves and seeds of Erioglossum rubiginosum. After that, we assessed the anthelmintic activity of the green synthesized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). We observed that the extracts showed a significant and dose-dependent decrease in the paralysis time and death time of parasites whereas better activity was found from the synthesized CuNPs. At last, we claim that comprehensive investigation on plant extracts and CuNPs could be carried out for further study and might pave the way for development of novel therapeutic agents that show efficacy against diverse parasitic infections.

Influence of Parameters of Mechanochemical Processing on the Efficacy of Complex Solid Dispersion of Anthelmintics

Background: Due to the fact that animal parasitic diseases often occur in the form of mixed infections, it is necessary to use complex drugs with a combination of active substances that act against different classes of helminths. Fenbendazole has a wide spectrum of nematocidal action and is less effective against cestodes. Considering that sheep are often infected with both gastro-intestinal nematodes and cestodes, a complex drug based on fenbendazole, niclosamide with polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer, was developed using mechanochemical technology in order to increase its solubility and bioavailability and reduce the dosages and side effects. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of mechanochemical technology on the efficacy of complex solid dispersions of anthelmintics against cestodoses and nematodoses. Methods: The influence of different types of mills (roller and planetary mills), levels of energy intensity (20, 40, 60 g), and component ratio (2:20:78; 3:30:67; 4:40:56) during mechanochemical processing was studied on the anthelmintic efficacy of complex solid dispersions of fenbendazole, niclosamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone in laboratory models of trichinellosis and hymenolepiosis of white mice, and on sheep naturally infected with helminths. Results: The efficacy of complex solid dispersions obtained in the planetary mill was higher than the activity of dispersions obtained in a roller mill. It showed 87.5, 96.36, 83.77, and 99.39% efficacy, respectively, against experimental trichinellosis, hymenolepiosis of white mice, gastrointestinal nematode infection and monieziosis of sheep at a ratio of 2:20:78. The basic drug – fenbendazole demonstrated 31.37 and 22.77% activity against experimental trichinellosis and gastro-intestinal nematode infection of sheep. The basic drug, niclosamide, showed 36.37% efficacy against hymenolepiosis in mice and 28.31% against monieziosis in sheep. It was established that with an increase in the energy intensity level of the planetary mill (20, 40, and 60 g), the decrease in the efficacy of solid dispersion occurred from 73.90 to 59.12% against T. spiralis and from 92.73% to 79.81% against H. nana. Conclusion: The use of mechanochemical technology for the production of solid dispersions of fenbendazole and niclosamide with polyvinylpyrrolidone makes it possible to increase the anthelmintic efficacy by 2.7–3 times compared to the activity of basic substances. It was noted that the complex solid dispersions of anthelmintics obtained in a planetary mill had 7.51–10.17% greater activity in comparison with the samples obtained in a roller mill. The most optimal ratio of active substances was 2:20:78 at a 20 g level of energy intensity of the planetary mill.

In vitro and in silico study on the seeds of Veitchia merrillii on trematode worms.

The potential of plants as anthelmintics is very large, but there is still very little research conducted in the search for effective, safe, easily obtained, and affordable anthelmintic candidates. Palem putri (Veitchia merrillii) is an ornamental plant that is interesting to study because it is included in the areca nut group which is reported to have strong abilities as anthelmintics. The study aims to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of Veitchia merrillii against trematode worms such as Paramphistomum spp. and Fasciola hepatica. This research employs both in vitro and computational techniques. An anthelmintic in vitro test was carried out on Paramphistomum spp. worms at concentrations of 10%, 25%, and 40% (gr/v), assessing mortality index as the observable outcome, followed by a histopathological investigation of the deceased worms for tissue and cellular damage evaluation. Seventeen compounds from V. merrillii seeds were studied in silico for their anthelmintic activity against F. hepatica worms using the quantitative structure-activity relationship technique, molecular docking, and Lipinski's rule analysis for orally administered medication. About 25% and 40% extracts of V. merrillii damaged the tegument organs in the worms. Seventeen compounds in V. merrillii seed extract, on average, yielded a higher anthelmintic index on F. hepatica than praziquantel. Eleven of the 17 compounds exhibit stronger affinity than praziquantel, with routine and gallic acid being the top two ligands (∆Gbinding values: -11.65 kcal/mol and -11.07 kcal/mol, respectively). According to Lipinski's rule analysis, only routine compounds cannot be orally administered. The seeds of V. merrilli have potential as an anthelmintic agent for Paramphistomum spp. at concentrations of 25%-40% (gr/v).

Evaluating the impact of orange oil and sunn hemp hay on digestibility and anthelmintic efficacy in Texel ewes

Gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus is a major challenge for small ruminant production systems in the Southeast US. Alternative approaches to nematode control are needed to circumvent parasite resistance to chemical anthelmintic. The study aimed to evaluate the in vivo effects of orange oil (ORG) and sunn hemp hay (SH) supplementation on fecal egg counts, FAMACHA© and body condition score (BCS), hematological parameters, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance in Texel ewes. Forty-eight ewes (∼ 6 months; 31.3 ± 4.1 kg body weight) were orally dosed with 10,000 H. contortus larvae (L3 stage). Experimental pens (N=12; 4 ewes/pen) were blocked by low, medium, and high fecal egg counts. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial model with 2 levels each for SH and ORG. Treatments were: 1) Control: Pen receiving coastal bermudagrass based basal diet; 2) ORG: Pens receiving basal diet with orange essential oil; 3) SH: Pens receiving basal diet replacing 20% coastal bermudagrass hay with SH; 4) SH+ORG: Pens receiving SH with ORG. Experimental duration was 6 weeks including one week for adaptation and 5 weeks for data collection. Orange oil was orally dosed (600 mg/kg of body weight) once during week 1 of data collection. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMIMIX of SAS with SH, ORG, and blocks as fixed factors while pen was used as random factor in the model. Fecal and blood samples, body weight, BCS, and FAMACHA© scores were collected once weekly. ORG was effective at lowering 37% of Strongylids (including Haemonchus contortus) egg counts in fecal samples while no effects were observed with SH. No treatment difference was observed on dry matter intake, and body weight (BW); while dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude protein (CP) digestibility was lower in response to SH supplementation. In conclusion, ORG has anthelmintic potential; however, future studies should explore the mechanism and economic benefit of using ORG for small ruminant producers.

First report of ivermectin resistance in cyathostomins (small strongyles) of horses in Argentina

In Argentina, as in the rest of the world, cyathostomins are the most common nematodes parasitizing horses. Control is based almost exclusively on the administration of benzimidazoles, pyrimidines, and macrocyclic lactones. However, intensive use of these drugs is resulting in the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR). For example, AR to benzimidazoles is currently distributed throughout Argentina, while incipient AR to pyrimidines (pyrantel embonate) is appearing in areas where this drug is used. Macrocyclic lactones and especially ivermectin, are by far the most used drugs by the vast majority of equine premises in the country. Although ivermectin has been used since 1982, its efficacy against equine strongylid parasites has remained very high until the present. In this study we report for the first time, the presence of a cyathostomin population with resistance to ivermectin in adult horses belonging to an equine premise located in central Argentina. Fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) were performed following the most recent guidelines of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP) for the diagnosis of anthelmintic resistance (research protocol) and resistance was considered when the Upper 90% Credible Interval fell below the expected efficacy threshold of 99.9%. Calculations were carried out using two different online calculation interfaces suggested by WAAVP. For the 14-day post-treatment interval, ivermectin efficacy was 79.5% (90% Credible Interval: 68.1–88.8) and 79.3% (74.2–83.6.3%) with the two methods, respectively. At 19 days post treatment, fecal egg count reductions were 68.6% (50.5–83.1) and 68.4% (61.9–74.1), respectively. At both intervals, this cyathostomin population fullfilled the criteria for AR. These findings suggest dispersion of ivermectin resistant cyathostomins in Argentina. Given the widespread use of macrocyclic lactones, it is important that veterinarians and the equine industry promote a more selective and evidence-based use of these drugs and establish routine monitoring to determine anthelmintic field efficacy to detect treatment failures as early as possible and avoid potential health problems as well as further spread of resistant genes.

In vitro anthelmintic efficacy of Ferulic and Sinapic acid against zoonotic cestode Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819).

The present study is aimed to investigate potential in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of two phenolic compounds Ferulic acid and Sinapic acid against the parasite H. diminuta. Adult parasites collected from infected rat's intestine (maintained in our laboratory) were treated with 1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20mg/mL concentrations of both the compounds in RPMI-1640 media containing 1% Tween 20. Further, one group was treated in Praziquantel as a reference drug and another group of parasites were kept as control. The efficacy was evaluated on the basis of motility and mortality of the parasites. The paralyzed worms were further processed for the morphological and ultrastructural studies and observed through light and scanning electron microscopy. A significant dose-dependent efficacy was found in all treatment and decrease in relative movability value was also recorded in all the concentrations of two compounds treated parasites. The time taken for paralysis in 5mg/mL of Ferulic acid and 10mg/mL of Sinapic acid were 1.47 ± 0.04h and 0.88 ± 0.03h respectively which is accorded with the standard concentration of Praziquantel. Morphological micrographs revealed pronounced distortion and altered topography of scolex and tegument while histological study showed loss of uniform tegumental integrity with folds and cracks in the treated parasites. Further, extensive alteration in the scolex and irrevocable disruption all over the body surface with loss of trapezoid shape, shrinkage of tegument and sloughing off microtriches were observed in electron microscopic study. The study indicated that both the compounds possess strong activity against H. diminuta and further studies are required to understand their detailed mode of action to exploit them as potential alternative candidates for curing helminthiases.

Evaluation of anthelmintic efficacy of ethanolic leaf extract of Juglans regia L. on Ascaridia galli: a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo study.

Anthelmintic resistance in livestock animals has been spreading across the world in prevalence and severity. As a result, researchers are exploring alternative strategies to combat this issue, and one promising avenue is the utilization of medicinal plants. This study aims to investigate the anthelmintic efficacy of the crude ethanolic extract (CEE) derived from the leaves of Juglans regia against one of the most detrimental nematode parasites affecting poultry, namely Ascaridia galli (A. galli). For the in vitro studies, adult A. galli worms were collected from the naturally infected chickens and the efficacy of CEE was measured at the concentration of 25, 50, and 100mg/ml using adult worm motility inhibition (WMI) assay. In addition, levamisole (0.55mg/ml) was used as the positive control. Likewise, Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was used as the negative control. For the in vivo studies, CEE of J.regia at the doses of 500, 1000, and 2000mg/kg were evaluated in chickens experimentally infected with A. galli. The anthelmintic efficacy was monitored using faecal egg count reduction (FECR) and worm count reduction (WCR) assays. In vitro studies revealed significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic effects of CEE of J.regia on the motility of A. galli worms at different hours post-exposure. At the concentration of 100mg/ml, CEE resulted in 96.5% inhibition of worm motility at 24h post-exposure. While the synthetic anthelmintic drug, levamisole caused the highest inhibition of worm motility (100%) at the same time period. The in vivo anthelmintic activity of CEE of J. regia demonstrated a maximum effect on day 14 post-treatment by inducing 67.28% FECR and 65.03% WCR. We observed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in worm counts between the negative control group and the chickens treated with CEE at the dosage of 500mg/kg. Together, the results of the present study suggest that CEE of J. regia leaves possess anthelmintic properties and could be a potential source of novel anthelmintic compounds for controlling helminth parasites.