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Home / Equine Research Bank / Acta Vet Scand / Anthelmintic resistance of horse strongyle nematodes to fenb...
Acta veterinaria Scandinavica2022; 64(1); 26; doi: 10.1186/s13028-022-00645-y

Anthelmintic resistance of horse strongyle nematodes to fenbendazole in Lithuania.

Abstract: Control of strongyle infections presents a global challenge for horse practitioners due to the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR), however comprehensive information on AR in Lithuania is still lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the current situation of fenbendazole (FBZ) AR in horses at stable level in Lithuania. Results: Faecal samples from 121 horses from six stables were examined using the Mini-FLOTAC method. Of these, 89 horses met the inclusion criteria that included strongyle faecal egg counts (FEC) exceeding 200 eggs per gram (EPG). Faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRTs) were performed in these. AR was evaluated at horse stable level based on faecal egg count reduction (FECR) and the lower limit of the 95% credible interval (LLCI) using the Bayesian hierarchical model. This study confirmed that strongylids (Cyathostominae (CYA)) resistant to FBZ are pervasive in Lithuania. FBZ was ineffective in three of the six stables (FECR 77.1-79.0%; 49.8-99.8 LLCI), was suspected to be ineffective in one stable (FECR 93.6%; 85.4-100 LLCI) and was effective (FECR 99.8-100%; 99.8-100 LLCI) in two stables. FEC showed a significant (P < 0.01) difference between the treatment and control groups. Only CYA larvae were detected in larval cultures derived from strongyle-positive faecal samples collected 14 days after treatment of a test group with FBZ. Conclusions: This in vivo study showed that resistance to FBZ in the treatment of strongyle nematodes is prevalent in horse stables in Lithuania. These findings should guide the implementation of more sustainable management of strongyle infections in horses in Lithuania.
© 2022. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2022-09-15 PubMed ID: 36109767PubMed Central: PMC9479362DOI: 10.1186/s13028-022-00645-yGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research investigates the resistance of strongyle nematodes in horses to the deworming drug fenbendazole in Lithuania. The results suggest a prevalent problem of anthelmintic resistance that indicates a need for more sustainable practices in treating these infections in horses across the country.

Background of the Study

  • The strongyle nematodes are parasites commonly found in horses, and their control is an issue of global concern due to the emergence of anthelmintic resistance. This resistance implies that the parasites are adapting to survive exposure to deworming drugs.
  • The researchers performing this study noticed a gap in comprehensive information regarding this anthelmintic resistance in Lithuania, which prompted their inquiry. This study was designed to assess the extent to which horses in Lithuania have developed resistance to a popular deworming drug known as fenbendazole.

Methodology

  • Faecal samples were collected from 121 horses across six stables for examination. They used a diagnostic method known as the Mini-FLOTAC method, which is a reliable procedure for examining faecal samples.
  • Out of all the horses tested, 89 met the inclusion criteria for the study, consisting of strongyle faecal egg counts (FEC) exceeding 200 eggs per gram (EPG). This implies that these horses had substantial worm infections and were therefore included in the study.
  • The researchers performed faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRTs), which is a common method to evaluate the effectiveness of anthelmintic drugs. The rate of reduction in FEC following treatment indicates if the worms are resisitant to the drug or not.
  • Anthelmintic resistance was evaluated at a stable level based on the reduction in FEC and the lower limit of the 95% credible interval (LLCI) with the Bayesian hierarchical model. This model was used to statistically infer the degree of resistance.

Results

  • Unfortunately, the study showed that strongylids (another word for strongyle nematodes), particularly the Cyathostominae subgroup (CYA), are resistant to fenbendazole in Lithuania.
  • Fenbendazole was found to be ineffective in three of the six stables tested. In one stable, it was suspected to be ineffective, and it worked as intended in just two stables.
  • Only CYA larvae were detected in larval cultures derived from faecal samples taken after treatment, suggesting that it’s the CYA strain of the strongyles that’s exhibiting the resistance.
  • Significant differences were notable in FEC between the treated and control groups, which confirmed the prevalence of strongyle resistance.

Conclusions

  • The in vivo study concluded that resistance to fenbendazole treatment of strongyle nematodes is common in horse stables in Lithuania. This resistance is troubling since it compromises horse health and affects the efficacy of one of the common drugs used to treat strongyle infections.
  • The researchers suggest that the implementation of more sustainable management of strongyle infections is crucial in light of these findings. Alternative treatment protocols and improved management practices could help mitigate this problem in Lithuania.

Cite This Article

APA
Dauparaitė E, Kupčinskas T, Varady M, Petkevičius S. (2022). Anthelmintic resistance of horse strongyle nematodes to fenbendazole in Lithuania. Acta Vet Scand, 64(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-022-00645-y

Publication

Acta veterinaria Scandinavica
ISSN: 1751-0147
NlmUniqueID: 0370400
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 64
Issue: 1
Pages: 26

Researcher Affiliations

Dauparaitė, Evelina
  • Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania. evelina.dauparaite@lsmu.lt.
Kupčinskas, Tomas
  • Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Varady, Marian
  • Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, Kosice, Slovakia.
Petkevičius, Saulius
  • Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / pharmacology
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Fenbendazole / therapeutic use
  • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
  • Horses
  • Lithuania / epidemiology
  • Nematoda
  • Parasite Egg Count / veterinary
  • Strongyle Infections, Equine / drug therapy
  • Strongyle Infections, Equine / epidemiology

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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