Distribution of nematophagous fungi and soil-transmitted helminths in outdoor built environments across Latin America.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are among the most common global parasitic infections, represent a significant worldwide public health burden, and remain a source of considerable morbidity in Latin America. Nematophagous fungi (NF), such as Arthrobotrys oligospora, naturally inhabit many soil types and are known for their ability to trap and kill nematodes using specialized hyphal structures or secreted enzymes and metabolites. As they prey on different developmental stages of helminths in soil, they may represent an ecological factor influencing helminth persistence and transmission dynamics.

Methods

Using an in vitro test, Toxocara cati eggs were exposed to A. oligospora. By using a flotation, filtration, and bead-beating disruption technique, parasite and fun

SUBMITTER: Mejia R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12923129 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature