Nematicidal effect of a lectin preparation from Artocarpus heterophyllus (Moraceae) on larvae and adults of Haemonchus contortus

Haemonchus contortus is a hematophagous parasite that causes damage to ruminant production worldwide. This study reported the in vitro nematicidal effect of a lectin preparation (LP) isolated from Artocarpus heterophyllus seeds on larvae and adults of H. contortus. The protein extraction was in phosphate-buffered saline followed by protein precipitation with ammonium sulfate 70% and dialysis. The dialyzed protein fraction was chromato-graphed to obtain isolated LP. The LP was characterized by hemagglutinating activity (HA) assays, protein dosage and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The motility index of H. contortus in the third larval stage (unsheathed L3 larvae) and adult stage was evaluated. The HA inhibition of LP by mannose and galactose as well as the electrophoretic profile indicated the presence of the lectins ArtinM and Jacalin. The motility index of H. contortus was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) during the first 8 h of LP exposure, both in larvae (lowest index 8.3% with LP at 1 mg mL(-1)) and female adults (lowest index 20% with LP at 500 mu g mL(-1); index 40% with LP at 1 mg mL(-1)). This research revealed that the LP has potential for being utilized in the development of natural nematicides.

Automated summary

This study reported the nematicidal effect of a lectin preparation isolated from Artocarpus heterophyllus seeds on larvae and adults of Haemonchus contortus. The results showed that the lectin preparation significantly reduced the motility index of H. contortus, indicating its potential for being utilized in the development of natural nematicides.