Effect of an iodophor-silicate disinfecting and cleaning agent on liver function tests, the structure of the small intestine, and bone parameters in a rat model study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the risk of using an iodophor disinfecting and cleaning agent based on clinoptilolite intended for dry disinfection in the presence of non-ruminants. In a rat model study, a suspension containing 103.3 mg/kg b. w. of the disinfectant (a dose of 0.1 of LD50) was administrated per os for a period of 21 days. Its toxicity was assessed on the basis of liver function tests. The effects of the disinfectant on the histological parameters of the duodenum and jejunum and on the properties of long bones were determined. Although the agent showed no toxicity, at the end of the experiment the experimental animals had lower body weights than the control group animals (P < 0.01). The disinfectant exerted an adverse effect on the histological parameters of the jejunum, reducing the length of the intestinal villi (P < 0.01) and the absorption area (P < 0.05) and increasing the crypt depth (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the presence of clinoptilolite positively influenced the parameters of long bones, increasing their mass (P < 0.001), length (P < 0.001), density (P < 0.01), and ash content (P < 0.01). In the bone metaphysis and epiphysis root, a significant increase was found in the trabecular bone volume (P < 0.001) and the trabecular number (P < 0.05). Bone fracture strength was also increased (P < 0.05) in the experimental animals. The results obtained show that iodophores and clinoptilolite can be used in veterinary practice as components of low-toxic disinfecting and absorbing agents. However, the reduced body mass of the experimental animals suggests the need for further comprehensive tests aimed at determining the amount of the iodophor disinfecting and cleaning agent that does not impair performance parameters.