Meta-analytic approach to the biological control exerted by Trichoderma spp. derivatives on larvae of geohelminths of medical and public health importance

Abstract

CONTEXT: Despite the well-established efficacy and low cost of chemical agents for the control of pathogenic nematodes, their indirect effects—such as environmental pollution, the emergence of resistance, and residual toxicity to human health—cannot be overlooked within the One Health framework. Furthermore, there is a shortage of safer antiparasitic drugs for both veterinary and human use. Therefore, the development of novel and effective methodological approaches to control nematode-borne diseases is imperative. Fungi of the genus Trichoderma have been widely employed as sustainable and effective biological control agents against a broad range of nematode species. OBJECTIVES: This study focuses on the potential application of Trichoderma spp. in the biological control of geohelminth larvae, aiming to reduce environmental contamination and the transmission of diseases of public health concern. METHODS: A systematic review with a meta-analytical approach to bibliometric variables was conducted, employing Cochran’s Q test and Higgins’ I² statistic. CONCLUSIONS: According to the main studies and authors analyzed, the mechanisms underlying Trichoderma-mediated biocontrol highlight the role of hydrolytic enzymes and secondary metabolites as promising candidates for scalable production, with applicability in innovative and environmentally safe biological control programs, particularly in agricultural pest management. However, there remains a notable scarcity of studies addressing the biocontrol of geohelminthiases of medical and public health relevance.