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Ximenes LF, Pinheiro HN, Filho JVDA, André WPP, Abreu FOMDS, Cardial MRL, Castelo-Branco DDSCM, Melo ACFL, Lopes FFDS, de Morais SM, de Oliveira LMB, Bevilaqua CML. Effect of the Combination of Synthetic Anthelmintics with Carvacryl Acetate in Emulsions with and without a Sodium Alginate Matrix on Haemonchus contortus. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1007. [PMID: 38612246 PMCID: PMC11011019 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of nanoemulsions using combined synthetic anthelmintics, thiabendazole (TBZ), levamisole (LEV), and ivermectin (IVM), with carvacryl acetate (CA) against Haemonchus contortus, and also tested the presence and absence of alginate (ALG). The anthelmintic effect of the CA/TBZ nanoemulsion was evaluated in the egg hatch test (EHT). The effects of CA/IVM and CA/LEV nanoemulsions were evaluated in the larval development test (LDT). The emulsions CA/TBZ/ALG and CA/TBZ showed a multimodal profile, with most particles on the nanometric scale. The encapsulation efficiency in CA/TBZ/ALG was 80.25%, and that in CA/LEV/ALG was 89.73%. In the EHT, CA/TBZ and CA/TBZ/ALG showed mean combination indices (CIs) of 0.55 and 0.36, respectively, demonstrating synergism in both. In LDT, CA/IVM had an average CI of 0.75, and CA/LEV and CA/LEV/ALG showed CI values of 0.4 and 0.93, respectively. It was concluded that CA/TBZ showed a synergistic interaction, and CA/TBZ/ALG showed an enhanced effect. In addition, the matrix brought stability to the product, encouraging its improvement to obtain higher efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Furtado Ximenes
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.X.); (J.V.d.A.F.); (W.P.P.A.); (L.M.B.d.O.)
| | - Henety Nascimento Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Naturais, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil; (H.N.P.); (F.O.M.d.S.A.); (M.R.L.C.)
| | - José Vilemar de Araújo Filho
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.X.); (J.V.d.A.F.); (W.P.P.A.); (L.M.B.d.O.)
| | - Weibson Paz Pinheiro André
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.X.); (J.V.d.A.F.); (W.P.P.A.); (L.M.B.d.O.)
| | - Flávia Oliveira Monteiro da Silva Abreu
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Naturais, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil; (H.N.P.); (F.O.M.d.S.A.); (M.R.L.C.)
| | - Mayrla Rocha Lima Cardial
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Naturais, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil; (H.N.P.); (F.O.M.d.S.A.); (M.R.L.C.)
| | | | - Ana Carolina Fonseca Lindoso Melo
- Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil; (D.d.S.C.M.C.-B.); (A.C.F.L.M.)
| | - Francisco Flávio da Silva Lopes
- Laboratório de Química de Produtos Naturais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil; (F.F.d.S.L.); (S.M.d.M.)
| | - Selene Maia de Morais
- Laboratório de Química de Produtos Naturais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil; (F.F.d.S.L.); (S.M.d.M.)
| | - Lorena Mayana Beserra de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.X.); (J.V.d.A.F.); (W.P.P.A.); (L.M.B.d.O.)
| | - Claudia Maria Leal Bevilaqua
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.X.); (J.V.d.A.F.); (W.P.P.A.); (L.M.B.d.O.)
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Mukherjee A, Kar I, Patra AK. Understanding anthelmintic resistance in livestock using "omics" approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:125439-125463. [PMID: 38015400 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31045-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Widespread and improper use of various anthelmintics, genetic, and epidemiological factors has resulted in anthelmintic-resistant (AR) helminth populations in livestock. This is currently quite common globally in different livestock animals including sheep, goats, and cattle to gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying AR in parasitic worm species have been the subject of ample research to tackle this challenge. Current and emerging technologies in the disciplines of genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics in livestock species have advanced the understanding of the intricate molecular AR mechanisms in many major parasites. The technologies have improved the identification of possible biomarkers of resistant parasites, the ability to find actual causative genes, regulatory networks, and pathways of parasites governing the AR development including the dynamics of helminth infection and host-parasite infections. In this review, various "omics"-driven technologies including genome scan, candidate gene, quantitative trait loci, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches have been described to understand AR of parasites of veterinary importance. Also, challenges and future prospects of these "omics" approaches are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayan Mukherjee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Nadia, Mohanpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Indrajit Kar
- Department of Avian Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Nadia, Mohanpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Amlan Kumar Patra
- American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, Oklahoma, 73050, USA.
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Cortes-Morales JA, Zamilpa A, Salinas-Sánchez DO, González-Cortazar M, Tapia-Maruri D, Gives PMD, Rivas-González JM, Olmedo-Juárez A. In vitro ovicidal effect of p-coumaric acid from Acacia bilimekii aerial parts against Haemonchus contortus. Vet Parasitol 2023; 320:109971. [PMID: 37331171 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Acacia bilimekii is a plant with a high content of protein, fibre, and condensed tannins, making it an excellent feed for small ruminants with anthelmintic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the ovicidal activity of a hydroalcoholic extract (Ab-HA) and fractions from A. bilimekii aerial parts on Haemonchus contortus. The ovicidal activity of the Ab-HA extract and its fractions obtained by chromatographic fractionation were evaluated through the egg hatching inhibition (EHI) test. The results showed that the Ab-HA extract had 91% EHI at 20,000 µg/mL with a mean effective concentration (EC50) of 9260 µg/mL. After liquid-liquid fractionation of Ab-HA extract, the aqueous fraction (Ab-Aq) did not show ovicidal activity, whereas the organic fraction (Ab-EtOAc) showed a better EHI than the Ab-HA extract (98.9% at 2500 µg/mL). Then, the chemical fractionation of Ab-EtOAc allowed obtaining six bioactive fractions (AbR12-17) with an EHI greater than 90% at 1500 µg/mL. The best treatment was AbR15 (98.7% EHI at 750 µg/mL). Chemical analysis by HPLC-PDA of AbR15 indicated the presence of p-coumaric acid and the flavone luteolin as major compounds. Additionally, the commercial p-coumaric acid standard was evaluated in the EHI assay and showed an EHI of 97% at 62.5 µg/mL. Meanwhile, the confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis demonstrated a colocalization effect between p-coumaric acid and the H. contortus embryonated eggs. These results indicate that due to their major chemical compounds (including p-coumaric acid), the aerial parts of the plant A. bilimekii, could be considered as natural potential tool for controlling haemonchosis in small ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Cortes-Morales
- Laboratorio de Fitoquímica y Productos Naturales del Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, C.P. 62209 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Zamilpa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Argentina No. 1. Col. Centro., C.P. 62790 Xochitepec, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - David O Salinas-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Fitoquímica y Productos Naturales del Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, C.P. 62209 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Manasés González-Cortazar
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Argentina No. 1. Col. Centro., C.P. 62790 Xochitepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Daniel Tapia-Maruri
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Centro de Desarrollo de Productos Bióticos, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, PO Box 24, Yautepec, Morelos C.P. 62730, Mexico
| | - Pedro Mendoza-de Gives
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad (CENID SAI-INIFAP), Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534 / Col. Progreso., C.P. 62574 Jiutepec, Morelos / A.P. 206-CIVAC, Mexico
| | - Juan M Rivas-González
- Escuela de Estudios Superiores del Jicarero. Carretera Galeana, Tequesquitengo s/n, Comunidad El Jicarero, Jojutla, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Agustín Olmedo-Juárez
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad (CENID SAI-INIFAP), Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534 / Col. Progreso., C.P. 62574 Jiutepec, Morelos / A.P. 206-CIVAC, Mexico.
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Essential Oils as Novel Anthelmintic Drug Candidates. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238327. [PMID: 36500419 PMCID: PMC9735941 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Helminths, with an estimated 1.5 billion annual global infections, are one of the major health challenges worldwide. The current strategy of the World Health Organization to prevent helminth infection includes increasing hygienic awareness, providing better sanitation and preventative anthelmintic drug therapy in vulnerable populations. Nowadays, anthelmintic drugs are used heavily in livestock, both in case of infection and as a preventative measure. However, this has led to the development of resistance against several of the most common drugs, such as levamisole, ivermectin and thiabendazole. As many as 70% of the livestock in developed countries now has helminths that are drug resistant, and multiple resistance is common. Because of this, novel anthelmintics are urgently needed to help combat large-scale production losses. Prior to this review, no comprehensive review of the anthelmintic effects of essential oils and their components existed. Multiple review articles have been published on the uses of a single plant and its extracts that only briefly touch upon their anthelmintic activity. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of essential oils and their components as anthelmintic treatment against a wider variety of helminths.
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Investigating the benefits of targeted selective treatment according to average daily weight gain against gastrointestinal nematodes in Morada Nova lambs. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2433-2444. [PMID: 35624382 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07549-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate a method of targeted selective treatment (TST) of Morada Nova lambs, based on the average daily weight gain (DWG). For this, 114 lambs in the rainy and 102 in the dry season were randomized into three treatments: control (CT), routine (RT, treated every 42 days), and targeted selective (TST, treated according to DWG). Packed cell volume (PCV) and eggs per gram of feces (EPG) tests were performed. The anthelmintic resistance of parasites was assessed by the EPG count reduction test (FECRT), RESISTA-Test©, and molecular test. For CT, RT, and TST groups, the following results were obtained: mean EPG values were 4665.1, 3063.5, and 3462.1 in the rainy season and 4475.1, 1341.7, and 2863.4 in the dry season, respectively; mean PCV values were 32.1, 33.4, and 32.3% in the rainy season and 33.9, 36.0, and 35.1% in the dry season; mean DWG readings were 0.087, 0.101, and 0.094 kg in the rainy season and 0.102, 0.113, and 0.112 kg in the dry season; efficacies of levamisole in FECRT were 66.4, 24.1, and 76.4% in the rainy and 90.7, 12.4, and 64.8% in the dry season, respectively; in the RESISTA-Test©, the LC50 values were 0.482, 1.926, and 0.117 µg.mL-1 in the rainy and 0.437, 0.851, and 0.045 µg.mL-1 in the dry season, respectively; the frequencies of the homozygous-resistant genotype were 57.1, 71.4, and 40.0% in the rainy and 47.8, 55.9, and 41.9% in the dry season. In conclusion, TST reduced the development of resistance through refugia maintenance, without productive losses, contributing to the sustainability of sheep breeding.
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Charlier J, Bartley DJ, Sotiraki S, Martinez-Valladares M, Claerebout E, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Thamsborg SM, Hoste H, Morgan ER, Rinaldi L. Anthelmintic resistance in ruminants: challenges and solutions. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2022; 115:171-227. [PMID: 35249662 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Anthelmintic resistance (AR) is a growing concern for effective parasite control in farmed ruminants globally. Combatting AR will require intensified and integrated research efforts in the development of innovative diagnostic tests to detect helminth infections and AR, sustainable anthelmintic treatment strategies and the development of complementary control approaches such as vaccination and plant-based control. It will also require a better understanding of socio-economic drivers of anthelmintic treatment decisions, in order to support a behavioural shift and develop targeted communication strategies that promote the uptake of evidence-based sustainable solutions. Here, we review the state-of-the-art in these different fields of research activity related to AR in helminths of livestock ruminants in Europe and beyond. We conclude that in the advent of new challenges and solutions emerging from continuing spread of AR and intensified research efforts, respectively, there is a strong need for transnational multi-actor initiatives. These should involve all key stakeholders to develop indicators of infection and sustainable control, set targets and promote good practices to achieve them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D J Bartley
- Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
| | - S Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation ELGO-DIMITRA, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - M Martinez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, León, Spain
| | - E Claerebout
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Parasitology, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - G von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - S M Thamsborg
- Veterinary Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - H Hoste
- INRAE, UMR 1225 IHAP INRAE/ENVT, Toulouse University, Toulouse, France
| | - E R Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - L Rinaldi
- University of Naples Federico II, Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, CREMOPAR, Napoli, Italy.
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André WPP, Junior JRP, Cavalcante GS, Ribeiro WLC, Araújo-Filho JV, Morais SM, Oliveira LMB, Abreu FOMS, Bevilaqua CML. Carvacryl acetate nanoencapsulated with chitosan/chichá gum exhibits reduced toxicity in mice and decreases the fecal egg count of sheep infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Parasitology 2021; 148:1560-1565. [PMID: 34238398 PMCID: PMC11010123 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The nanoencapsulation of biocomposites with anthelmintic action has been proposed as an alternative for improving their efficiency. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of carvacryl acetate nanoencapsulated with biopolymers (nCVA) in the control of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. CVA was nanoencapsulated with chitosan/chichá gum and characterized in terms of its efficacy of encapsulation (EE), yield and zeta potential. The acute toxicity of nCVA was evaluated in mice. For the fecal egg count reduction test, 40 animals were divided into four groups (n = 10) and orally administered the following treatments: G1, 250 mg kg−1 CVA; G2, 250 mg kg−1 nCVA; G3, chitosan/chichá gum (negative control) and G4, 2.5 mg kg−1 monepantel (positive control). Feces were collected on days 0 and 16 posttreatment to determine the eggs per gram of feces (epg). The EE and yield of nCVA were 72.8 and 57.5%, respectively. The nanoparticles showed a size of 764.5 ± 302.5 nm, and the zeta potential at pH 3.2 was +22.0 mV. nCVA presented a 50% lethal dose (LD50) of 2609 mg kg−1. By 16 days posttreatment, CVA, nCVA and monepantel reduced the epg by 52.9.7, 71.5 and 98.7%, respectively, and the epg of sheep treated with nCVA differed from that of the negative control (P > 0.05) but did not differ from that of sheep treated with CVA. In conclusion, the nanoencapsulation of CVA reduced its toxicity, and nCVA showed anthelmintic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibson P. P. André
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitarias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - José R. P. Junior
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Naturais, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Géssica S. Cavalcante
- Laboratório de Química de Produtos Naturais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Wesley L. C. Ribeiro
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - José V. Araújo-Filho
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitarias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Selene M. Morais
- Laboratório de Química de Produtos Naturais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Lorena M. B. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitarias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Flávia O. M. S. Abreu
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Naturais, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Claudia M. L. Bevilaqua
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitarias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Baltrušis P, Charvet CL, Halvarsson P, Mikko S, Höglund J. Using droplet digital PCR for the detection of hco-acr-8b levamisole resistance marker in H. contortus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2021; 15:168-176. [PMID: 33799059 PMCID: PMC8044644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The nematode Haemonchus contortus is one of the most prevalent and pathogenic parasites in small ruminants. Although usually controlled using anthelmintics, the development of drug resistance by the parasite has become a major issue in livestock production. While the molecular detection of benzimidazole resistance in H. contortus is well developed, the molecular tools and protocols are far less advanced for the detection of levamisole resistance. The hco-acr-8 gene encodes a critical acetylcholine susceptible subunit that confers levamisole-sensitivity to the receptor. Here, we report the development of a droplet digital PCR assay as a molecular tool to detect a 63 bp deletion in the hco-acr-8 that has been previously associated with levamisole resistance. Sanger sequencing of single adult H. contortus yielded 56 high-quality consensus sequences surrounding the region containing the deletion. Based on the sequencing data, new primers and probes were designed and validated with a novel droplet digital PCR assay for the quantification of the deletion containing “resistant” allele in genomic DNA samples. Single adult worms from six phenotypically described isolates (n = 60) and from two Swedish sheep farms (n = 30) where levamisole was effective were tested. Even though a significant difference in genotype frequencies between the resistant and susceptible reference isolates was found (p = 0.01), the homozygous “resistant” genotype was observed to be abundantly present in both the susceptible isolates as well as in some Swedish H. contortus samples. Furthermore, field larval culture samples, collected pre- (n = 7) and post- (n = 6) levamisole treatment on seven Swedish sheep farms where levamisole was fully efficacious according to Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test results, were tested to evaluate the frequency of the “resistant” allele in each. Frequencies of the deletion ranged from 35 to 80% in the pre-treatment samples, whereas no amplifiable H. contortus genomic DNA was detected in the post-treatment samples. Together, these data reveal relatively high frequencies of the 63 bp deletion in the hco-acr-8 both on individual H. contortus and field larval culture scales, and cast doubt on the utility of the deletion in the hco-acr-8 as a molecular marker for levamisole resistance detection on sheep farms. Acr8b – levamisole resistance marker investigated in single worms and larval cultures. Individuals homozygous for acr8b found more commonly, even in susceptible isolates. Levamisole treatment efficacy was unaffected by increased acr8b frequencies in larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulius Baltrušis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - Peter Halvarsson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sofia Mikko
- Department of Animal Breeding & Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Höglund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Arsenopoulos KV, Fthenakis GC, Katsarou EI, Papadopoulos E. Haemonchosis: A Challenging Parasitic Infection of Sheep and Goats. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020363. [PMID: 33535656 PMCID: PMC7912824 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The paper reviews the challenges about haemonchosis-a significant and common parasitic infection of small ruminants. Haemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic parasite that localises in the abomasum of affected animals and exerts its pathogenicity by blood-sucking activity, adversely affecting the health and productivity of animals. The first challenge is the uneven distribution of the infection globally, this being more prevalent in tropical and subtropical and warm temperate and summer rainfall regions than in cool and cold temperate and arid regions; hence, this leads in differences in the approaches required for its control. Another challenge is the widespread presence of Haemonchus strains resistant to the various anthelmintics available: Benzimidazoles, imidazothiazoles, macrocyclic lactones, closantel and monepantel, which makes the control of the infection difficult. The third challenge refers to the difficulty of diagnosing the disease, given that field evidence can provide suspicion about the infection, which needs to be subsequently confirmed by laboratory tests through parasitological or molecular techniques. The final challenge relates to the difficulties in the control of the infection and the necessity to use pharmaceutical products cautiously and with a planned approach, to avoid further development of anthelmintic resistance, also given that use of a recently licenced vaccine is not widespread. In conclusion, at the moment, we should be concerned, but not worried, about this infection, and apply correctly the appropriate health management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos V. Arsenopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - George C. Fthenakis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (G.C.F.); (E.I.K.)
| | - Eleni I. Katsarou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (G.C.F.); (E.I.K.)
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Sheep farming is the backbone of a rural economy in developing countries, and haemonchosis is a major impediment in the way of its progress. Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) infection persists all over the world particularly in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. Various review articles have been published to substantially cover one or more aspects of its morphology, prevalence, pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, immune response, drug resistance, treatment, and control measure. The objective of this paper is to briefly review past and present information available in the aforementioned areas in one place to enable the readers to fully understand the problem from a broader perspective. H. contortus parasite harbours in abomasum of affected animal and feeds on its blood, producing mild to severe symptoms and even death in acute form. The parasite thus inflicts heavy production losses and is of economic importance. H. contortus has developed diverse characters over the years leading to limited success in the production of vaccines. Indiscriminate use of the anthelmintics has produced drug resistance against almost all conventional products. Efficacy of medicinal plants and non-conventional chemicals has been reported under controlled experiments; however, research on their adverse effects on growth and fertility is yet to be studied. Research on molecular tools for identification and introduction of resistant genes into the flock is also underway but still a long journey to find its field application. Crossbreeding may compromise the production traits of the existing flock. In given circumstances, a targeted selective treatment approach along with selective breeding, culling of more susceptible animals, and maintaining a good body condition score through the provision of a balanced diet remains a workable strategy to control haemonchosis in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naeem
- Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Nabila Roohi
- Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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