Authors

Discussion

The effect of lemon oil (Citrus limon) on Sarcoptes scabiei var cuniculiwas evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The mite samples were collected from naturally infected rabbits. The lemon oil was prepared in six concentrations by dilution with distilled water (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 50 & 100%). In vitro application was done in 5 replicates for each concentration in Petri dishes in the laboratory. The treated mites were observed at 1, 12 and 24hs post application (PA) for lemon oil effect. In addition, oxidative stress profile was evaluated for the treated mite. Dependent on in vitro results, 20% lemon oil was used in vivo trial. Twenty four naturally infected rabbits were divided into 3 groups 8 in each; 20% lemon oil and deltamethrin treated groups and untreated control one. The infected parts of rabbits were treated topically once a week for 4 successive weeks. In vitro application results showed that lemon oil 10% & 20% diluted in water caused toxicity to 100% after 24h PA. Oxidative stress profile in treated mites revealed that treated mite by 20% lemon oil had significantly (P<0.05) highest hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in compared with mite treated by deltamethrin or distilled water. In vivo application of 20% lemon oil on naturally infected rabbits, showed complete recovery from clinical signs, absence of mite in microscopic examination from the second week of treatment. In addition, productive performance was significantly better than infected untreated group. Also, the treated tissue showed stoppage of scales formation and hair growth faster than deltamethrin treated rabbits. Consequently, lemon oil has remarkable miticidal activity in vitro and in vivo applications.