In vitro evaluation of the resistence of the Contracaecum sp. larvae (Railliet & Henry, 1912) (Nematoda: Anisakidae), to the essential oil of citronella ( Cymbopogon sp.) (Poaceae)

ABSTRACT

The essential oil of citronella ( Cymbopogon sp.) was used in vitro to assess its influence on the L3 larvae of Contracaecum sp. The parameters investigated were the morphological integrity and motility of the larvae after being in contact with the product. The essential oil was very effective in its trade form killing all the larvae at the utmost in two hours. The damage caused to the larvae was evaluated with a microscope in histological cuts, where cuticular rupture and disintegration of the intestinal wall of the larvae were found. The results were analyzed through the use of a monocaudal Fisher test to detect differences between the groups where the significance of p<0,05 was obtained.