Anthelmintic resistance and novel control options in equine gastrointestinal nematodes.
Abstract: Control of equine nematodes has relied on benzimidazoles (BZs), tetrahydropyrimidines and macrocyclic lactones. The intensive use of anthelmintics has led to the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in equine cyathostomins and Parascaris equorum. Field studies indicate that BZ and pyrantel resistance is widespread in cyathostomins and there are also increasing reports of resistance to macrocyclic lactones in cyathostomins and P. equorum. The unavailability of reliable laboratory-based techniques for detecting resistance further augments the problem of nematode control in horses. The only reliable test used in horses is the fecal egg count reduction test; therefore, more focus should be given to develop and validate improved methodologies for diagnosing AR at an early stage, as well as determining the mechanisms involved in resistance development. Therefore, equine industry and researchers should devise and implement new strategies for equine worm control, such as the use of bioactive pastures or novel feed additives, and control should increasingly incorporate alternative and evidence-based parasite control strategies to limit the development of AR. This review describes the history and prevalence of AR in equine nematodes, along with recent advances in developing resistance diagnostic tests and worm control strategies in horses, as well as giving some perspective on recent research into novel control strategies.
Publication Date: 2018-11-05 PubMed ID: 30392477DOI: 10.1017/S0031182018001786Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article addresses the issue of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in horse nematodes due to the extensive use of specific drugs, suggesting the need for new detection techniques and alternative control methods.
Introduction & History of Anthelmintic Resistance
- The intensive use of benzimidazoles (BZs), tetrahydropyrimidines, and macrocyclic lactones to control equine nematodes has caused the nematodes to develop resistance to these drugs. This phenomenon is called anthelmintic resistance (AR).
- Field studies reveal that BZ and pyrantel resistance is widespread and there are increasing reports of resistance to macrocyclic lactones in equine cyathostomins and Parascaris equorum, two major types of nematodes in horses.
Challenges in Detecting Anthelmintic Resistance
- The research explicates that the insufficiency of reliable laboratory techniques to detect resistance compounds the difficulty of controlling nematodes in horses.
- The fecal egg count reduction test is currently the only reliable test for horses. The research argues that there is a need for more focus on developing and validating improved methods for diagnosing AR early on, as well as understanding the mechanisms contributing to resistance development.
New Tactics for Nematode Control
- The escalating issue of AR has led to a call for the equine industry and researchers to develop and implement new worm control strategies. They might include the use of bioactive pastures or innovative feed additives.
- The research suggests that control should also involve a greater use of alternative and evidence-based parasite control strategies to limit the development of AR.
Overview of Advanced Techniques and Strategies
- The review describes the history and prevalence of AR in equine nematodes, along with recent advances in developing resistance diagnostic tests and worm control strategies in horses.
- The research also provides perspective on recent investigations into novel control strategies, highlighting the pressing need to address the escalating problem of AR in these nematodes.
Cite This Article
APA
Raza A, Qamar AG, Hayat K, Ashraf S, Williams AR.
(2018).
Anthelmintic resistance and novel control options in equine gastrointestinal nematodes.
Parasitology, 146(4), 425-437.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182018001786 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery,University of Agriculture,Faisalabad, Punjab,Pakistan.
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery,University of Agriculture,Faisalabad, Punjab,Pakistan.
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Anatomy,University of Agriculture,Faisalabad, Punjab,Pakistan.
- Wellman Centre for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital,Boston,USA.
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,University of Copenhagen,Frederiksberg,Denmark.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Anthelmintics / pharmacology
- Drug Resistance
- Gastrointestinal Diseases / diagnosis
- Gastrointestinal Diseases / drug therapy
- Gastrointestinal Diseases / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Horses
- Nematoda / drug effects
- Nematode Infections / diagnosis
- Nematode Infections / drug therapy
- Nematode Infections / veterinary
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