Fasciolosis Control: Phytotherapy of Host Snail Lymnaea acuminata by Allicin to Kill Fasciola gigantica Larvae

Abstract

Aims: Fasciolosis is a widely distributed disease affecting the lives of herbivorous animals and human. The causative agents are Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica. Snail Lymnaea acuminata is the intermediate host of Fasciola species. Sporocyst, redia and cercaria are the larval stages found in the snail body. Methodology: The destruction of these larvae in intermediate host is one of the important methods to abolish the incidences of fasciolosis without, killing the snail. Mortality of larvae in in vitro and in vivo condition was observed at 2h, 4h, 6h and 8h, exposure of allicin an active component of Allium sativum. Results: Abiotic factors alter the toxicity of allicin against F. gigantica larvae in different months of year 2011-2012. Highest in vitro toxicity of allicin against redia larva was noted in July (8h LC50 0.001 mg/ml), where as in case of cercaria larva it was in month of June (8h LC50 0.005 mg/ml). Highest toxicity in in vivo treatments against redia and cercaria larvae was observed in February (8h LC50 0.013mg/L and 0.010 mg/L, respectively). The highest temperature, free carbon dioxide, lowest pH and dissolved oxygen were noted in the months of June to August. Conclusion: In vitro and in vivo treatment of allicin against Fasciola larvae is one of the new approaches to control the fasciolosis, without killing the host snail.