Efficacy Evaluation of a Commercial Formulation With Duddingtonia Flagrans in Equine Gastrointestinal Nematodes.
Authors: Nunes Gabriela Tormes, Corrêa Diego Cristiano, Chitolina Maysa Bigolin, da Rosa Gilneia, Pereira Roberta Carneiro da Fontoura, Cargnelutti Juliana Felipetto, Vogel Fernanda Silveira Flôres
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Duddingtonia flagrans as an Alternative to Chemical Antiparasitics in Equine Nematode Control Widespread reliance on conventional antiparasitic drugs has driven anthelmintic resistance in equine gastrointestinal nematodes, prompting investigation into biological alternatives such as predatory fungi. Researchers evaluated the in vitro efficacy of Bioverm, a commercial formulation containing the nematode-trapping fungus *Duddingtonia flagrans* (strain AC001), by exposing faecal cultures dominated by *Cyathostomum* sp.—the most prevalent genus in the test samples—to varying doses of the product. At the manufacturer's recommended dose of 0.4 g (10⁵ chlamydospores/g), the fungal formulation reduced infective larvae by 44.23%, whilst doubling the dose to 1.0 g achieved a 57.20% reduction, demonstrating dose-dependent efficacy. For practitioners managing anthelmintic resistance or seeking integrated parasite control strategies, this work suggests that fungal-based products warrant consideration as a complementary tool, though practitioners should note these are laboratory findings and field efficacy, environmental stability, and practical dosing protocols require further investigation before widespread adoption in clinical practice.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Duddingtonia flagrans-based products offer a viable alternative to chemical antiparasitics for equine nematode control, particularly relevant given increasing anthelmintic resistance
- •The fungal formulation showed meaningful larval reduction in vitro, with higher doses correlating with greater efficacy, though in vivo field efficacy requires confirmation
- •Consider discussing biological control options with clients as part of an integrated parasite management strategy to reduce reliance on conventional dewormers
Key Findings
- •Cyathostomum sp. was the most prevalent nematode genus in equine fecal samples analyzed
- •The commercial formulation Bioverm (Duddingtonia flagrans strain AC001) at 0.4 g dose reduced larvae by 44.23%
- •An extrapolated 1.0 g dose of the same formulation resulted in 57.20% larvae reduction, demonstrating dose-dependent effectiveness
- •Duddingtonia flagrans showed predatory efficacy against Cyathostomum sp. in in vitro coproculture tests