Screening for anthelmintic resistance in equid strongyles (Nematoda) in Romania.

This research paper explores the resistance of equine strongyles, a type of nematode worm, to commonly used deworming drugs in Romania. It finds that a significant proportion of these parasites are showing resistance to the anthelmintics Albendazole (ABZ) and Fenbendazole (FBZ), but none have shown resistance to Ivermectin (IVM).

Research Objective and Methodology

• The research is focused on investigating the resistance of equine strongyles to common deworming drugs, called anthelmintics, used in Romania.
• The researchers wanted to understand both the pre and post-treatment prevalence of different species of these worms.
• A total of 588 horses and 23 donkeys from 26 different locations were included in the study.
• The study used a test called the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test, between the years 2010 to 2013, to measure the resistance.

Treatment Groups and Findings

• The subjects were divided into three groups: the first group was treated with Albendazole (ABZ), the second with Fenbendazole (FBZ), and the third group was administered Ivermectin (IVM).
• The study found that resistant strongyles were present in 82% of the group that was treated with ABZ.
• 75% of the groups that were administered FBZ were found to have resistant strongyles.
• No resistant strongyles were found in the group that was treated with IVM.

Prevalence of Different Species of Parasites

• The research also identified the prevalence of different species of these worms before and after the treatment.
• 22% of the strongyles were of the species Strongylinae Müller, 1780, and the remaining 78% were nematodes of the subfamily Cyathostominae Molin, 1861.
• After treatment, a 5% reduction in Strongylinae Müller, 1780 was observed indicating their sensitivity to the anthelmintics used.
• However, post-treatment prevalence of cyathostomes was a staggering 95%, proving their resistance especially to ABZ and FBZ drugs.