Predacious activity of the nematode-trapping fungus Duddingtonia flagrans against cyathostome larvae in faeces after passage through the gastrointestinal tract of horses.

The research focuses on the efficacy of a specific fungus, Duddingtonia flagrans, in killing parasite larvae once it has passed through a horse’s digestive system. It was found that the higher the dosage of the fungus, the greater the reduction in cyathostome larvae in the horse’s feces.

Background

• Nematode-trapping fungi, specifically Duddingtonia flagrans, have been identified as potential biocontrol agents against parasitic nematodes.
• The study is designed to test the survivability of Duddingtonia flagrans after passing through the gastrointestinal tract of horses, and its efficacy in killing cyathostome larvae which are harmful parasitic worms in horses.

Methodology

• Three different oral dose levels of the fungus were tested on two horses each.
• Feces were collected twice daily from each horse, and the amount of parasite eggs per gram of feces was determined.
• Subsequently, the numbers of cyathostome larvae that developed in the fecal cultures were counted after a two-week incubation at 24 degrees Celsius.

Results

• The researchers found a positive correlation between the dosage level of Duddingtonia flagrans and the reduction in the number of cyathostome larvae. This means that the higher the dosage of the fungus ingested by the horse, the fewer the number of cyathostome larvae found in the horse’s feces.
• The fungus was recovered from the feces at times that corresponded to high levels of larvae reduction. This further strengthens the evidence for the role of Duddingtonia flagrans in combating parasitic cyathostome larvae in horses.

Implications

• This research provides evidence supporting the potential of Duddingtonia flagrans as a natural solution to control parasitic nematodes in horses.
• Although further research is likely needed, these findings may have significant implications for improving horse health and could influence the development of future parasite control strategies.