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Purpose: The present study focused on the effect of two fungal species Metarhizium flavoviride and Metarhizium anisopliae on the embryonic development and viability of Ascaris suum larvae., Results: Microscope examination revealed that the presence of the mycelium inhibited the egg development, compared to control. The fungus-exposed eggs featured zygote vacuolisation, irregular blastomere cleavage, and morphological disturbances in the stages of blastula, gastrula, and larva. The embryopathies were significantly more frequent in the eggs incubated with M. flavoviride. Also the mortality of the developed larvae was significantly higher after 60-day culture with M. flavoviride.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of mould fungi isolated from soil and of two of their metabolites, aflatoxin G1 and ochratoxin A, on the embryonic development of eggs and mortality of larvae of Ascaris suum. An attempt was made to demonstrate synergism between fungi species in the action on embryogenesis of Ascaris suum., Material and Methods: Fungi were isolated from soil and cultured on the standard Czapek-Dox agar medium at 26 degrees C for 60 days. Fertilized eggs of Ascaris suum were incubated in PBS solution with the mycelium of each species or without fungi in the control culture. To demonstrate synergism between fungi species, eggs were cultured with three combinations of two species. Additional cultures were done with aflatoxin G1 and ochratoxin A at concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 2 ppm., Results: Microscopy showed a slower rate of development of eggs from experimental cultures as compared to the control culture. Fungi, as well as mycotoxins, caused vacuolization of the zygote, uneven division of blastomeres, and morphological abnormalities of the embryo. The highest mortality (36%) of invasive larvae of Ascaris suum was caused by Paecylomyces fumosoroseus. The present study revealed that the antagonistic effect of a fungi on the development of Ascaris suum eggs is increased or decreased in the presence of another fungi species. Exposure to aflatoxin G1 and ochratoxin A at concentrations as low as 0.5 ppm leads to a greater percentage of deformed embryos and 100% mortality of larvae.