No abstract

Haemonchus contortus is a gastrointestinal nematode that is responsible for high mortality rates in ruminant herds. The resistance of nematodes to synthetic anthelmintics is widespread and requires a continuous search for new bioactive molecules, such as proteins. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic potential of a protease purified from the latex of Ficus benjamina against H. contortus . Fresh latex was collected from plants via small incisions in the green stems, the rubber was removed by centrifugation, and the latex protein extract (LPE) was obtained. After LPE fractionation with ammonium sulfate and chromatography of the fraction containing the highest proteolytic activity on CM-cellulose, a cysteine protease (FbP) was purified. FbP has a molecular mass of approximately 23.97 kDa, and its proteolytic activity was stable between pH 6.0 and pH 10 and over a broad temperature range, with optimum activity at 60 °C. FbP inhibited both the development and exsheathment of H. contortus larvae, with 50% effective concentrations of 0.26 and 0.79 mg/mL, respectively. We conclude that this cysteine protease from F. benjamina latex with anthelmintic activity against H. contortus could be a promising alternative for the development of products for use in parasite control programmes.

Brazil is a major producer of goats and sheep, but it has to face one of the main problems of breeding, parasites. Populations of resistant parasites have been selected, motivating the search by alternatives antiparasitic. This work aimed to prospect scientific works and patents related to the use of essential oils in the development of these new products. For technological prospection, the patents deposited with the INPI (National Institute of Industrial Protection) and present in the Derwent Innovations Index were searched. Scientific prospecting was done using the Web of Science collection. It was observed that Brazil does not have patents related to essential oils, nevertheless, it is the country that stands out in scientific publications on the subject. For being are products with a high potential for innovation, there is an urgent need to encourage Brazilian researchers to protect new products obtained from essential oils.

RESUMO: Suínos nativos da região da Baixada Maranhense, localizada no noroeste do estado do Maranhão, são criados soltos nos campos com manejo inadequado. O trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a helmintofauna desses animais. Foram coletadas amostras de fezes de 200 suínos nativos para a realização de exames coproparasitológicos durante os períodos do início da seca, na seca, no início do período chuvoso e período chuvoso. Os resultados dos exames parasitológicos encontrados foram ovos da Superfamília Strongyloidea e os gêneros/espécies de Strongyloides, Trichuris suis, Ascaris suum, ovos e larvas de Metastrongylus, oocistos de coccídeos, cistos de Balantidium coli e Entamoeba coli, e o Acanthocephalo Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus. Conclui-se que a helmintofauna gastrintestinal e pulmonar é diversificada, com maior carga parasitária no período de seca. Palavras-chave: Maranhão; helmintofauna ABSTRACT:The Baixada Maranhense is region in Maranhão state, in Brazil, located in northwest of the state. Native swine is originating this region and live an extensive system. The aim of this study was to identify swine native helminth fauna. A total of 200 feces samples for fecal examinations were collected during periods of drought, rain and interim periods.. It was detected eggs of the Superfamily Strongyloidea and genus/ species of Strongyloides, Trichuris suis, Ascaris suum, Metastrongylus eggs and larvae, oocysts of coccidia, cysts of Balantidium coli and Entamoeba coli, and Acanthocephalo Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus. It is concluded that the gastrointestinal and lung helminth fauna is diverse, with higher parasite load in the dry period.