In vitro action of papaya (Carica papaya) latex and pure papain against oocysts of Eimeria bovis

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Eimeria bovis is a protozoan that causes coccidiosis, a disease with a great impact on the world cattle industry. However, its control has not been fully efficient and, therefore, the search for alternative measures of parasitic and or even environmental control of the infecting forms (sporulated oocysts) is welcome. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of papaya (Carica papaya) latex and pure papain on sporulated and non-sporulated oocysts of E. bovis. Methods: Oocysts were collected from the feces of calves previously inoculated with E. bovis and stored in potassium dichromate solution. Then, the oocysts were evaluated for the application of aqueous solutions (active and denatured) of latex and papain at concentrations 10, 15 and 30% (w/v), in addition to the control group (water), which were incubated at 28 °C for 48 hours. Results:There was a reduction in oocysts in the treatments compared to the control group. However, only at the concentration of 30% (m/v) of papain after incubation for 48 hours at 28°C there was a significant difference (p<0.01) in relation to the control. Conclusion:The results show that the use of papain-rich C. papaya extracts has great future prospects in controlling E. bovis.