Recent Advances in the Control of Helminths of Domestic Animals by Helminthophagous Fungi

Abstract

This review describes the advances acquired and proven in the use of helminthophagous fungi in the control of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in domestic animals. Old and well-known premises about parasitic epidemiology and the factors that can interfere with the best performance of biological control are mentioned. Some of the most promising fungi are Duddingtonia flagrans from the predatory fungi group and Pochonia chamydosporia and Mucor circinelloides from the ovicidal fungi group. These fungi produce resistance spores called chlamidospores. Bioverm® and BioWorma®, based on the fungus D. flagrans, are available as commercial. Biotechnological products such as nanoparticles and obtaining primary and secondary metabolites have already been obtained from these fungi. Because they have different mechanisms of action, ovicidal and predatory fungi, when used together, can present a complementary and synergistic action in the biological control of helminths. Therefore, future research in the search for new formulations, the association of fungi from different groups, extraction of new molecules, and nanoparticles of these fungi in the control of helminths in various domestic animals are desired.

The Use of Pythium oligandrum in the Biological Control of Roundworm Infection in Dogs and Cats

“…The hyphae adhere to the egg wall and gradually release enzymes. The wall of roundworm eggs is degraded by the kinases, cellulases, endo-β-1,3-glucanases, and various exoglycosidases [ 11 , 12 ]. Moreover, the cell wall is hydrolyzed due to proteases.…”

“…Moreover, the cell wall is hydrolyzed due to proteases. Thus, the oomycete penetrates inside the eggs and can use the internal content as a nutritious substrate [ 11 , 12 ]. This facilitates the germination of several hyphae from the same host.…”

Efficacy of a Fungal Formulation with the Nematophagous Fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia in the Biological Control of Bovine Nematodiosis

“…Among the mechanisms of action, the destruction of free-living helminth eggs or larvae stands out. Among the species of fungi used for Pathogens 2022, 11, 695 2 of 7 biological control, there is the ovicidal species Pochonia chlamydosporia that acts by causing the destruction of eggs and Duddingtonia flagrans, a larvicidal species that causes the destruction of helminth larvae [5]. In cattle farming, one method for the distribution of these fungi in the environment is the administration of fungal structures in the cattle diet [6].…”

“…In addition, this species also produces secondary metabolites [9]. This species of fungus acts on parasite eggs of several species of domestic animals such as cattle, swine, horses, dogs, cats, and humans [5,10]. Many in vitro studies have shown the action of this fungus on eggs of Eurytrema coelomaticum, Fasciola hepatica, Oxyuris equi, Ascaris suum, Ancylostoma sp., among other diverse species [10], and also in vivo [5].…”

Biocontrol of Avian Gastrointestinal Parasites Using Predatory Fungi: Current Status, Challenges, and Opportunities

“…New complementary strategies are being proposed for integrated GI parasite control in domestic and wild animals kept in captivity, namely the use of predatory fungi as an accurate, innovative, natural, and sustainable tool [27,28].…”