In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of acetic acid at 6 % (table vinegar) on inhibiting Fasciola hepatica metacercariae

Abstract

Fasciolosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Fasciola hepatica, and poses significant public health and economicchallenges, particularly in regions where livestock farming is predominant. This study evaluates the effect oftable vinegar on F. hepatica metacercariae viability and infectivity through an innovative In vitro excystmentassay, in order to test the effectiveness of common household sanitization practices. Metacercariae were exposedto different concentrations of vinegar solutions at varying durations, and viability and excystment capacity weresubsequently assessed, simulating gastrointestinal conditions. Both vinegar concentration and exposure timesignificantly influenced excystment rates, with higher vinegar concentrations resulting in decreased metacercariaeviability, however, conditions equivalent to commonly promoted household practices were found to beinefficient at eliminating infection risk. This is the first study to employ an in vitro excystment assay to evaluatethe infectivity of F. hepatica metacercariae after exposure to vinegar. Our findings highlight that typicalhousehold practices, such as briefly soaking vegetables in diluted vinegar, are inadequate for effectively eliminatingparasite viability and thus could favor infection, affecting public health.