Fasciola spp. is one of the most causes of liver diseases in the world. Infection with Fasciola
is important from a veterinary and medical standpoint, particularly in areas with high
densities of sheep and cattle production. The infection by fascioliasis takes place through
ingestion of metacercariae attached to vegetables or drinking of contaminated water.
Prevention of human fascioliasis could depend on cleaning of the leafy salads from the
metacercariae and control of Lymnaea snails. The aim of the present study was to determine
the effect of NaOCl on Fasciola intermediate snail host (Lymnaea), as method of control
Fasciola spp. and the effect of some acids as well as KMno4 on encysted metacercariae to
find the best method(s) to clear the salads from metacercariae, while keeping the leaves as
fresh as possible so that they become safe and acceptable for human consumption. It was
observed that washing of vegetables in running water for 10 minutes could detach some of
the metacercariae. The intermediate hosts (Lymnaea spp. snails) were exposed to a range of
NaOCl concentrations, which resulted in an increase cercariae mortality and caused damage
to specific parts of the snail's foot. The duration and concentration of the exposure also had
an impact on the outcome. It was found that citric acid at the concentration of (10 mg/L),
acetic acid (120 ml/L,) and KMn04 (24 mg/L) detached all metacercariae after 10 minutes of
exposure. They were recommended as vegetable leaves as they were not softened and
remained fresh. |
