Journal of Animal Production, Print ISSN: 2008-6776., Online ISSN: 2382-994X

The evaluation of iron oxide, zinc oxide and aluminum oxide nanoparticles on the pre-parasitic stages of Trichostrongylid gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

sara larki 1
alireza alborzi 2
javad jamshidian 3
Fatemeh Madankan 4

1 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. E-mail: s.larki@scu.ac.ir

2 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. E-mail: a.alborzi@scu.ac.ir

3 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. E-mail: j.jamshidian@scu.ac.ir

4 Corresponding Author, Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. E-mail: f_madankan@scu.ac.ir

https://doi.org/10.22059/jap.2025.384888.623813
Abstract
Objective: Due to the development of resistance to common anthelmintic drugs, researchers are looking for efficient and cost-effective ways to combat parasitic infections. Nanoparticles are currently being used for biomedical applications due to their nanoscale size and high reactivity. Given the high prevalence of trichostrongylosis in small ruminants, any disruption in the development of the proparasitic stages can play an important role in the control and prevention of the disease. Nanoparticles, as a new, safe, cheap and available antiparasitic agent, can play an important role in reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal strongylosis in ruminants.
Method: A number of sheep feces samples were collected directly from the rectum of the animal and examined for parasitic infections with Strongyloides eggs using the fecal flotation method. Then, feces culture was performed on samples infected with Strongyloides eggs under appropriate temperature and humidity conditions for seven to 10 days. After 24 to 48 hours of cultivation, the first and second stage (L1 and L2) trichostrongylid larvae in the culture medium were collected using the Berman method and exposed to metal nanoparticle oxides such as aluminum, zinc, and iron in combination with 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and once without DMSO. Also, the third stage (L3) trichostrongylid larvae were exposed to these nanoparticles after stool culture and isolation using the Berman method. Then, the mortality rate of each larva was examined and counted under a stereomicroscope according to their movement. Distilled water and albendazole were used as negative and positive controls of the experiments, respectively. In order to examine the ultrastructural surface of the larvae cuticle treated with nanoparticles, a number of L3 trichostrongylid larvae were prepared before exposure to nanoparticles and after exposure using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Results: The real mortality rates of L1 and L2 larvae treated with aluminum oxide at concentrations of 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 mg/ml were 23.9, 44.66, and 70.85%, respectively, zinc oxide were 43.03, 51.30, and 95.92%, respectively, and iron oxide were 84.33, 42.96, and 48.98%, respectively. No mortality was observed in the treatment group exposed to metal nanoparticles in L3 larvae. In the scanning electron microscope images were observed the cuticular layer of L1 and L2 trichostrongylid larvae treated with iron oxide nanoparticles had a rough and wrinkled appearance compared to the smooth and uniform appearance of the normal larvae.
Conclusion: Based on the resultsy, and considering the low price and availability of iron and zinc nanoparticles, they can be widely used as a preventive agent against trichostrongylosis in small ruminants in pastures.

Keywords

Aluminum oxide
Iron oxide
Nanoparticles
Trichostrongylide
Zinc oxide
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Journal of Animal Production, Print ISSN: 2008-6776., Online ISSN: 2382-994X
Volume 27, Issue 1
Winter 2025
Pages 107-119

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