[Destruction of Toxocara canis eggs by the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia].

INTRODUCTION

Toxocara canis is an ascarid parasite of the small intestine of dogs that causes visceral larva migrans in humans.

METHODS

With the aim of demonstrating the effectiveness of the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia on Toxocara canis eggs under laboratory conditions, a trial was set up in Petri dishes with 2% agar-water.

RESULTS

There was ovicidal activity of 43.8% (p < 0.01) in the treated group in relation to the control group over the periods studied.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from the present study suggest that Pochonia chlamydosporia can potentially be used as an alternative biological control for embryonated Toxocara canis eggs.