In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of acetic acid at 6 % (table vinegar) on inhibiting Fasciola hepatica metacercariae.

Fasciolosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Fasciola hepatica, and poses significant public health and economic challenges, particularly in regions where livestock farming is predominant. This study evaluates the effect of table vinegar on F. hepatica metacercariae viability and infectivity through an innovative In vitro excystment assay, in order to test the effectiveness of common household sanitization practices. Metacercariae were exposed to different concentrations of vinegar solutions at varying durations, and viability and excystment capacity were subsequently assessed, simulating gastrointestinal conditions. Both vinegar concentration and exposure time significantly influenced excystment rates, with higher vinegar concentrations resulting in decreased metacercariae viability, however, conditions equivalent to commonly promoted household practices were found to be inefficient at eliminating infection risk. This is the first study to employ an in vitro excystment assay to evaluate the infectivity of F. hepatica metacercariae after exposure to vinegar. Our findings highlight that typical household practices, such as briefly soaking vegetables in diluted vinegar, are inadequate for effectively eliminating parasite viability and thus could favor infection, affecting public health.