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Experimental parasitology2021; 230; 108169; doi: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108169

Anthelmintic resistance: is a solution possible?

Abstract: More than 50 years after anthelmintic resistance was first identified, its prevalence and impact on the animal production industry continues to increase across the world. The term "anthelmintic resistance" (AR) can be briefly defined as the reduction in efficacy of a certain dose of anthelmintic drugs (AH) in eliminating the presence of a parasite population that was previously susceptible. The main aim of this study is to examine anthelmintic resistance in domestic herbivores. There are numerous factors playing a role in the development of AR, but the most important is livestock management. The price of AH and the need to treat a high number of animals mean that farmers face significant costs in this regard, yet, since 1981, little progress has been made in the discovery of new molecules and the time and cost required to bring a new AH to market has increased dramatically in recent decades. Furthermore, resistance has also emerged for new AH, such as monepantel or derquantel. Consequently, ruminant parasitism cannot be controlled solely by using synthetic chemicals. A change in approach is needed, using a range of preventive measures in order to achieve a sustainable control programme. The use of nematophagous fungi or of plant extracts rich in compounds with anthelmintic properties, such as terpenes, condensed tannins, or flavonoids, represent potential alternatives. Nevertheless, although new approaches are showing promising results, there is still much to do. More research focused on the control of AR is needed.
Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2021-10-07 PubMed ID: 34627787DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108169Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research article examines the problem of anthelmintic resistance in domestic herbivores, a growing issue impacting animal production worldwide. The study is concerned with finding effective and sustainable solutions to control parasite populations in these animals, as the continued use of synthetic chemicals alone has proven inadequate and costly.

Understanding Anthelmintic Resistance

  • The term “anthelmintic resistance” (AR) refers to a decreasing effectiveness of anthelmintic drugs (AH) in eliminating parasite populations that were previously susceptible.
  • The prevalence and impact of AR on the animal production industry has been escalating globally, posing a significant problem.

The Link Between AR and Livestock Management

  • The most significant factor influencing AR is livestock management.
  • The financial burden of treating numerous animals with expensive AH treatments contributes to the complexity of managing AR.
  • Since 1981, minimal progress has been made in discovering new drugs capable of controlling AR. Moreover, the time and cost associated with bringing a new AH to market have increased substantially.
  • Resistance is also an issue for newly developed AH, such as monepantel or derquantel.

The Need for a Shift in Approach

  • The research suggests the inability to regulate ruminant parasitism merely by using synthetic chemicals, thereby advocating for a change in approach.
  • Proposed preventive measures for sustainable control programs include nematophagous fungi or plant extracts enriched in anthelmintic properties. These may have substances like terpenes, condensed tannins, or flavonoids.
  • Despite these promising new approaches, the researchers highlight the need for further control-focused research on AR.

Cite This Article

APA
Ahuir-Baraja AE, Cibot F, Llobat L, Garijo MM. (2021). Anthelmintic resistance: is a solution possible? Exp Parasitol, 230, 108169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108169

Publication

Experimental parasitology
ISSN: 1090-2449
NlmUniqueID: 0370713
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 230
Pages: 108169

Researcher Affiliations

Ahuir-Baraja, A E
  • Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Research Group (PARAVET), Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Spain.
Cibot, F
  • Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Spain.
Llobat, L
  • Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction Research Group (PROVAGINBIO), Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Spain. Electronic address: maria.llobatbordes@uchceu.es.
Garijo, M M
  • Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Research Group (PARAVET), Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Spain.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / pharmacology
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance
  • Flavonoids / therapeutic use
  • Fungi / physiology
  • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Horses
  • Nematoda / drug effects
  • Nematode Infections / drug therapy
  • Nematode Infections / parasitology
  • Nematode Infections / veterinary
  • Phytotherapy / methods
  • Phytotherapy / veterinary
  • Proanthocyanidins / therapeutic use
  • Ruminants / parasitology

Citations

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