In vitro study of disinfectants on the embryonation and survival of Toxascaris leonina eggs
Kh M El-Dakhly1, A S M Aboshinaf2, W M Arafa1
1Department of Parasitology,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,Beni-Suef University,Beni-Suef 62511,Egypt.
Abstract:
The effect of six available and commercial disinfectants on the embryonation and larval development of Toxascaris leonina eggs was studied. Dettol® and Virkon® both induced a 100% reduction in larval development (P ≤ 0.05). Dettol® resulted in deformed eggshells and a halt in embryonal development at 1 week post exposure. All Virkon®-treated eggs showed an early embryonic lysis 24 h post exposure. TH4+ and 70% ethanol both significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected larval development, with 58.8 and 85.8% reduction, respectively. Neither sodium hypochlorite nor phenol significantly affected larval development (2.8 and 21.0%, respectively). Sodium hypochlorite treatment caused a visible decortication of the eggshell; however, phenol-treated embryonated Toxascaris eggs appeared more or less morphologically normal. In conclusion, the disinfectants tested induced variable degrees of decortication and suppression of larval development. Virkon®S was the most effective disinfectant against Toxascaris eggs, suggesting that it is the most advisable one to use. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of Virkon®S as an ovicide and/or larvicide of helminths, particularly Toxascaris leonina.
Insights
Virkon®S and Dettol® effectively eliminated Toxascaris leonina larval development. Virkon®S demonstrated superior ovicidal and larvicidal activity against these parasite eggs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Antimicrobial Efficacy
- Public Health
Background:
- Toxascaris leonina is a common helminth parasite affecting various animal species.
- Effective disinfection is crucial for controlling parasite transmission in veterinary settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of six commercial disinfectants against Toxascaris leonina eggs.
- To identify the most effective disinfectant for controlling Toxascaris leonina infections.
Main Methods:
- Toxascaris leonina eggs were exposed to six disinfectants: Dettol®, Virkon®, TH4+, 70% ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, and phenol.
- Embryonation and larval development were assessed post-exposure.
- Statistical analysis (P ≤ 0.05) was used to determine significance.
Main Results:
- Virkon® and Dettol® achieved 100% reduction in larval development.
- Virkon® caused rapid embryonic lysis, while Dettol® led to deformed eggshells.
- 70% ethanol and TH4+ showed significant, but lower, reductions in larval development.
- Sodium hypochlorite and phenol had minimal impact on larval development.
Conclusions:
- Disinfectants exhibit variable efficacy against Toxascaris leonina eggs.
- Virkon®S is the most effective ovicide and larvicide tested, recommended for controlling Toxascaris leonina.
- This study is the first to report Virkon®S efficacy against helminth eggs.
