In vitro anti-Toxocara vitulorum effect of silver nanoparticles

Toxocara vitulorum is a common gastrointestinal nematode of buffaloes and cattle, primarily young calves. This parasitic infection is distributed worldwide, causing a huge economic loss due to reduced meat and milk production and animal mortality. Several studies have indicated that silver nanoparticles have an effective anthelmintic activity. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic effects of different concentrations of silver nanoparticles on adult Toxocara vitulorum in vitro. Male and female adult worms were incubated for 48 h in 50, 100, and 200 mg/L silver nanoparticles synthesized using lemon juice. Oxidative stress markers, in addition to light and scanning electron microscopic studies of treated worms, were assessed following 48 h incubation in 200 mg/L silver nanoparticles. Light and scanning electron micrographs of treated worms revealed damage in the muscular layer, destruction of the cuticle, distortion in lips structure, and deformed excretory pore and sensory papillae. Also, oxidative stress markers recorded an increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and decreased levels of glutathione reduced, glutathione S-transferase, and catalase after exposure to silver nanoparticles. In Conclusion, the current study demonstrated a substantial destructive effect of silver nanoparticles on adult Toxocara vitulorum, indicating its potential as an anthelmintic alternative to the more expensive drugs.