Edible mushrooms of the genus Pleurotus as biocontrol agents of parasites of importance for livestock

Background: Edible mushrooms have nutraceutical properties, mainly in humans, animals and plants. Pleurotus species represent an alternative approach to parasite control because they have nematocidal activity against different taxonomic genera of nematodes of importance for livestock (e.g., eggs and infective and histotrophic larvae of Haemonchus contortus), as well as against other parasites of importance in animal health. Objective: To present a general overview of fungi of the genus Pleurotus and their characteristics as a sustainable method of biocontrol for parasitic nematodes of animals with importance in public health. Methods: This bibliographic review was carried out by consulting published studies on edible fungi of the genus Pleurotus and analyzing their properties related to nematocidal activity. The works were grouped according to their research focus; works related to keywords and topics in livestock were identified in indexed journals and on digital platforms. Results and conclusions: Pleurotus spp. produce different secondary metabolites with antiparasitic activities, mainly anthelmintic and particularly against gastrointestinal nematodes and their larval stages. The characteristics of these fungi are excellent for biotechnological applications since they produce a wide range of secondary metabolites in different parts, such as in the basidiomas, mycelia and degraded substrates.