Abstract

Parasitic diseases are seen as indicators of a country’s socioeconomic development, constituting a major public health problem as they cause direct health problems related to the lack of piped water, no sewage system, and lack of orientation. Contamination by the geohelminth Ancylostoma spp, causes the Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM), also known as "sandworms", presenting skin lesions of linear and serpiginous character. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro larvicidal potential of guaco extracts (Mikania glomerata SPRENGEL) at different concentrations on A. caninum larvae. Obtained results showed the larvicidal effect of the M. glomerata extract starting from a treatment of 10mg/ml of guaco extracts (p<0.01). The larvicidal activity was best demonstrated in the 25 mg/ml treatment, in which a decrease of 13.30% of L3 was observed compared to the control group, and in the 50 mg/ml treatment (61.66%) reduction of L3. By means of the results, the applicability of the plant extracts used is suggested in A. caninum larvae control. In addition, more research is suggested to assess their employability in different extract forms, new concentrations, and in vivo studies, in order to ensure further clarification on the agents responsible for the observed effects, degree of efficacy and toxicity, and research continuity regarding the use concentration of the plant M. glomerata SPRENGEL.

Key words: Larvicidal extract, Mikania glomerata, Ancylostoma caninum and cutaneous larva migrans.