Proteolytic action of the crude extract of Duddingtonia flagrans on cyathostomins (Nematoda: Cyathostominae) in coprocultures.

The objective of this study was to examine the action of the crude extract of Duddingtonia flagrans (isolates AC001 and CG722) on infective larvae (L3) of cyathostomins in coprocultures and to confirm its proteolytic activity by means of a zymogram. The following groups were formed in coprocultures: Group 1: 10 mL of crude extract of D. flagrans (AC001); group 2: 10 mL of crude extract of AC001 with 10 mM of Ca2+; group 3: 10 mL of crude extract of D. flagrans (CG722); group 4: 10 mL of crude extract of CG722 with 10 mM of Ca2+; and group 5: control group (distilled water). The third-stage larvae (L3) were obtained after eight days. The crude extract of D. flagrans was effective in reducing the number of L3, with the following percentage reductions: group 1, 49.5%; group 2, 52.5%; group 3, 36.8%; and group 4, 57.7%; in relation to the control group (p > 0.05). The proteolytic activity of the crude extract was confirmed through the zymogram. The results from this study confirmed that the crude extract of the fungus D. flagrans could be used for controlling cyathostomin L3, and suggested that at least one protease of approximately 38 kDa was present.