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

Abstract

In the control of bovine worms, biological control by nematophagous fungi stands out, especially Pochoniachlamydosporia which causes the destruction of helminth eggs. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a formulation containing the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia isolated for the biological control of bovine nematodiosis. Twelve cattle were divided into two groups: control group (GC) and the group that received the formulation (GT). Feces and pasture samples were collected for the research of gastrointestinal nematodes. Lung worms and trematodes were investigated. The animals were weighed monthly. The averages of temperature and rainfall were recorded. The supply of the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia was not effective in reducing the eggs per gram of feces of gastrointestinal nematodes (EPG) of the animals, not differing statistically (p > 0.05) between the groups. The mean values of larvae recovered in the pasture did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). The genus Haemonchus sp. was the most prevalent. There was no correlation between the number of larvae with temperature and rainfall (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the penultimate weighing of the experiment. The formulation containing Pochonia chlamydosporia was not efficient in the biological control of bovine gastrointestinal nematodes.

Efficiency of Experimental Formulation Containing Duddingtonia flagrans and Pochonia chlamydosporia against Moniezia expansa Eggs

“…could collaborate with the reduction of nematode eggs and probably reduce the number of recovered lavas; since acting alone or in association with D. flagrans and M. thaumasium , it reduced the number of cyathostomine larvae by 73.2%, 86.8%, and 77.3%, respectively [ 30 ]. However, when it was used as the only agent in field evaluations, it was unable to control the free-life stages of bovine gastrointestinal nematodes [ 20 ]. Therefore, considering the reduction of eggs, it is unlikely that D. flagrans contributed significantly to the results presented.…”

“…Duddingtonia flagrans has been widely studied, and there are already commercial products which allow the implementation of biological control for parasites in animal production [ 12 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. The association between different species of fungi is important to expand the spectrum of action of fungal formulations, especially if the fungi act on different targets of the life cycle of the parasites [ 20 ].…”

“…Previous studies involving Pochonia chlamydosporia proved its in vitro and in vivo ability to control helminths that affect domestic animals [ 20 ]. There is a classification system [ 21 ] that defines three types of ovicidal activity: type 1–The egg is not penetrated, but development ceases or causes the development of anomalous larvae; type 2–The hypha does not penetrate the egg, but both the shell and the embryo are enzymatically damaged; type 3–The hypha penetrates the egg, colonizing the interior of the egg and the embryo.…”

Advances in the Control of the Helminthosis in Domestic Animals

“…Viña et al created a new formulation with D. flagrans and deconstrued an efficient solution to decrease the risk of infection among dogs maintained in shelters, which is recommended [ 2 ]. Fonseca et al, with a formulation with fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia , concluded that the rapid transition from egg to larvae stage was not affected by fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia ; therefore, the fungal formulation containing Pochonia chlamydosporia was not efficient in the biological control of bovine gastrointestinal nematodes [ 3 ]. The results of Luca et al indicated an ovicidal action of Pythium oligandrum , supporting the prospects of its use in the decontamination methods of various surfaces or environments where ascarid eggs from carnivores are found [ 4 ].…”