Treatment and prevention of intestinal parasite-associated disease.

This research paper discusses the growing problem of drug resistance among intestinal parasites in horses due to the overuse of deworming medications and suggests a more responsible use of these treatments based on the biology of the parasites and the pharmacology of the drugs.

Introduction to the Issue

• Over the past century, there have been only 11 new types of endoparasiticides (drugs used to treat internal parasites) developed specifically for horses. Five chemical classes from these are commonly used.
• Parasites have developed resistance to some widely-used deworming drugs, such as benzimidazoles and pyrantel salts, because these medicines have been frequently used in treatment and infection prevention programs.

The Impending Problem of Ivermectin/Moxidectin Resistance

• There is a concerning likelihood that small strongyle parasites, a type of intestinal parasite in horses, will also become resistant to ivermectin and moxidectin, due to their overuse.
• These drugs are among the last effective tools we have to fight these parasites, hence their potential resistance presents a serious issue for clinicians.

Responsible Use of Equine Anthelmintics

• The research paper highlights the need for more responsible use of equine anthelmintics (drugs used to combat parasitic worms).
• Effective use should consider the clinical pharmacology of the compounds, basically how the drugs affect the horses, and the biology and epidemiology of intestinal parasites, namely their life cycle and distribution patterns.

Lack of Robust Data

• One major challenge mentioned is the lack of strong and clear evidence to guide current treatment and control methods.
• Controlled clinical trials are needed to validate the guidelines and approaches currently in use.