Molecular diagnostics for gastrointestinal helminths in equids: Past, present and future.

The research article mainly revolves around the review of molecular methods used to detect, differentiate, and quantify gastrointestinal parasites in equines including knowledge gaps and future possibilities in equine parasitology.

Research Context and Methods

• The study executes a comprehensive review of the literature on molecular diagnostics in equine parasitology.
• Focusing particularly on gastrointestinal helminths (GIH) in horses, donkeys, and zebras, the researchers examined 54 studies accessed through four databases.
• Utilizing methods sanctioned by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), the researchers ensured clear and systematic interpretation of results.

Types of Molecular Techniques Explored

• The study lists a range of molecular techniques used for detecting and differentiating GIH, such as Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse line blot, quantitative PCR, and restriction fragment length polymorphism.
• Out of these, PCR was the most commonly used technique across all the studies, with its amplicons sequenced in 18 of them.
• The researchers also evaluated the usage of more innovative PCR modifications and techniques, such as nested-PCR, PCR-directed next-generation sequencing, Southern blotting, etc.

Common Loci and Parasites Targeted

• The most frequently targeted loci in these molecular studies were nuclear ribosomal RNA, including internal transcribed spacers, intergenic spacer, and certain specific types of RNA.
• Most studies were aimed at diagnosing and identifying specific species of GIH in equids, including species of Anoplocephala, Craterostomum, cyathostomins, and Oesophagodontus among others.

Current Shift in Research Focus and Future Perspectives

• The review noted a shifting focus in recent studies towards understanding anthelmintic resistance and using high-throughput nemabiome metabarcoding to better understand and control parasite populations.
• The rising trend of anthelmintic resistance in equid GIHs brings forth the need for adopting more advanced techniques like metabarcoding.
• This study is the first systematic review that critically assesses molecular research on the diagnosis and quantification of equid GIHs, thereby providing a comprehensive overview of the state of current knowledge, identified gaps, and potential future research directions.