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Toxocara canis larvae viability after disinfectant-exposition
P Morrondo1, C Díez-Morrondo, J Pedreira
1Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, 27002, Spain. mopela@lugo.usc.es
Abstract:
The effect of three routinely used disinfectants on the embryonary development of Toxocara canis eggs was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. In the in vitro experiment, T. canis eggs were treated with the ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, and one commercial mix of benzalconium chloride and formaldehyde, and the embryonary development was assessed. After a period of 24 days incubation, ethanol was the best disinfectant because it prevented the development of the T. canis larvae 2 in the eggs, and sodium hypochlorite caused degeneration in 50% eggs. By using the commercial mix, 25% T. canis eggs developed to 2nd stage larvae. In the in vivo experiment, the embryonated eggs treated with the disinfectants were inoculated to mice, and their brain tissues were examined for larval presence on the 24th day postinfection. In addition, a control group was set up for comparison with the infected groups. No injury or T. canis larvae were observed in mice infected with sodium hypochlorite-treated eggs, opposite to that recorded in the animals infected with the commercial disinfectant-treated eggs. These results showed that both ethanol and sodium hypochlorite are very appropriate because of their full efficacy against infective T. canis eggs. Disinfection of kennels, animal shelters, cages, and veterinary clinics with one of these products to eliminate T. canis eggs and to avoid contamination is strongly recommended.
Insights
Ethanol and sodium hypochlorite effectively eliminate Toxocara canis eggs, preventing larval development. These disinfectants are highly recommended for controlling parasite contamination in veterinary and animal care settings.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Toxocara canis is a common roundworm in dogs, posing a zoonotic risk to humans.
- Effective disinfection is crucial for preventing the transmission of T. canis eggs in environments like kennels and veterinary clinics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of three common disinfectants against the embryonated eggs of Toxocara canis.
- To compare the in vitro and in vivo effects of ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, and a benzalkonium chloride/formaldehyde mix on T. canis egg development and infectivity.
Main Methods:
- In vitro incubation of T. canis eggs with disinfectants, followed by assessment of larval development.
- In vivo inoculation of treated T. canis eggs into mice, with subsequent examination of brain tissue for larvae.
Main Results:
- Ethanol completely inhibited T. canis larval development in vitro.
- Sodium hypochlorite caused degeneration in 50% of eggs in vitro and showed full efficacy in vivo, with no larvae found in mice.
- The commercial disinfectant mix was less effective, allowing some T. canis eggs to develop to larvae.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol and sodium hypochlorite demonstrate high efficacy against infective T. canis eggs.
- Routine disinfection of animal facilities with ethanol or sodium hypochlorite is recommended to eliminate T. canis contamination and reduce zoonotic risk.
