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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
Parasitology Research
|April 28, 2006
Summary
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.