Evaluation of the efficacy of disinfectants and disinfection methods against Ascaris suum eggs

Abstract

Ascaris is highly adaptable, allowing its offspring to thrive in various conditions and posing significant health risks widely among animal populations. Most studies regarding the efficacy of disinfectants against Ascaris eggs in animal houses have been limited and lack a systematic and comprehensive evaluation. Currently, Ascaris suum is one of the most extensively studied helminths in the context of parasitology. Here, 8 disinfectants, UV radiation and quicklime were used to treat A. suum eggs, which were subsequently incubated at a room temperature of 22–25ºC for 15 days. The inactivation rate of A. suum eggs (expressed as a percentage) was measured to assess the efficacy of disinfectants, UV radiation, and quicklime in inactivating A. suum eggs. The results indicated that 1 %-10 % povidone iodine, 5 %-25 % ammonia solution, 0.5–2 % chlorine dioxide, 75 % ethanol and formalin in long-term (15 days), as well as the 5 % and 10 % povidone iodine, 25 % ammonia solution and UV irradiation in short-term (30–120 min) completely inhibited the normal development of A. suum eggs up to L2 stage. In conclusion, 75 % ethanol, povidone iodine, chlorine dioxide, ammonia solution, formalin, and UV irradiation are effective in inactivating A. suum eggs for dual disinfection of parasites and microorganisms. Among them, povidone iodine and UV irradiation are relatively efficient and environmentally friendly disinfection methods, and chlorine dioxide, a relatively harmless and broad-spectrum disinfectant, is an alternative choice for A. suum eggs elimination.