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Martin F, Halvarsson P, Alm YH, Tydén E. Occurrence of fenbendazole resistance in Parascaris spp. on breeding farms in Sweden. Vet Parasitol 2024; 331:110272. [PMID: 39106597 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110272] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Anthelmintic resistance is an increasing problem in many gastrointestinal parasites of grazing animals. Among these, the equine roundworm, Parascaris spp., has developed wide-spread resistance to macrocyclic lactones over the past decades. Additionally, there are recent observations of emerging treatment failure of both tetrahydropyrimidine and fenbendazole. Therefore, the aims of this study were to further investigate the occurrence of fenbendazole resistance on breeding farms and to explore potential management-related risk factors associated with resistance in Parascaris spp. in Sweden. Eleven farms with 92 foals positive for Parascaris spp. were included in a faecal egg count reduction test during the years 2021-2023. According to the clinical protocol of the guidelines of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology, fenbendazole resistance was present on four farms with efficacies varying from 45 % to 96 %. Having previously reported reduced efficacy on one of these farms, we can now confirm that fenbendazole resistance in Parascaris spp. has established. Farms with more than 40 yearly born foals had a significantly higher probability of having resistant Parascaris spp. Populations compared with smaller farms, (generalized linear model (GLM), t = 70.39, p < 0.001). In addition, there was a correlation between the number of foals on the farm and the frequency of yearly treatments showing that farms with < 20 foals were notably inclined to administer treatments twice during the first year (GLM, t=2.76, p < 0.05) in contrast to larger farms with > 40 foals that were using more frequent treatment intervals. In conclusion, this study confirms the establishment of fenbendazole resistance in Parascaris spp. populations on Swedish stud farms with the number of foals on the farm identified as a risk factor for development of anthelmintic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida Martin
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Biosciences, Section for Parasitology, Box 7036, Uppsala 750 07, Sweden
| | - Peter Halvarsson
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Biosciences, Section for Parasitology, Box 7036, Uppsala 750 07, Sweden
| | - Ylva Hedberg Alm
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Biosciences, Section for Parasitology, Box 7036, Uppsala 750 07, Sweden
| | - Eva Tydén
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Biosciences, Section for Parasitology, Box 7036, Uppsala 750 07, Sweden.
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Rivero J, Cutillas C, Callejón R. New Insights on Tools for Detecting β-Tubulin Polymorphisms in Trichuris trichiura Using rhAmp TM SNP Genotyping. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1545. [PMID: 38891592 PMCID: PMC11171370 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111545] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, commonly treated with benzimidazoles, are linked to resistance through single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at position 167, 198, or 200 in the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene. The aim of this study was to establish a novel genotyping assay characterized by its rapidity and specificity. This assay was designed to detect the presence of SNPs within the partial β-tubulin gene of Trichuris trichiura. This was achieved through the biallelic discrimination at codons 167, 198, and 200 by employing the competitive binding of two allele-specific forward primers. The specificity and reliability of this assay were subsequently confirmed using Trichuris samples isolated from captive primates. Furthermore, a molecular study was conducted to substantiate the utility of the β-tubulin gene as a molecular marker. The assays showed high sensitivity and specificity when applied to field samples. Nevertheless, none of the SNPs within the β-tubulin gene were detected in any of the adult worms or eggs from the analyzed populations. All specimens consistently displayed an SS genotype. The examination of the β-tubulin gene further validated the established close relationships between the T. trichiura clade and Trichuris suis clade. This reaffirms its utility as a marker for phylogenetic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rocío Callejón
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain; (J.R.); (C.C.)
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Jones BP, Kozel K, Alonte AJI, Llanes KKR, Juhász A, Chaudhry U, Roose S, Geldhof P, Belizario VY, Nejsum P, Stothard JR, LaCourse EJ, van Vliet AHM, Paller VGV, Betson M. Worldwide absence of canonical benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations within β-tubulin genes from Ascaris. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:225. [PMID: 38755679 PMCID: PMC11098727 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The giant roundworm Ascaris is an intestinal nematode, causing ascariasis by infecting humans and pigs worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that Ascaris infects over half a billion people, with chronic infections leading to reduced growth and cognitive ability. Ascariasis affects innumerable pigs worldwide and is known to reduce production yields via decreased growth and condemnation of livers. The predominant anthelminthic drugs used to treat ascariasis are the benzimidazoles. Benzimidazoles interact with β-tubulins and block their function, and several benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations have been described in the β-tubulins of ruminant nematodes. Recent research on ascarids has shown that these canonical benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations are likely not present in the β-tubulins of Ascaris, Ascaridia or Parascaris, even in phenotypically resistant populations. METHODS To further determine the putative absence of key β-tubulin polymorphisms, we screened two β-tubulin isotypes of Ascaris, highly expressed in adult worms. Using adult and egg samples of Ascaris obtained from pigs and humans worldwide, we performed deep amplicon sequencing to look for canonical resistance-associated mutations in Ascaris β-tubulins. Subsequently, we examined these data in closer detail to study the population dynamics of Ascaris and genetic diversity within the two isotypes and tested whether genotypes appeared to partition across human and pig hosts. RESULTS In the 187 isolates, 69 genotypes were found, made up of eight haplotypes of β-tubulin isotype A and 20 haplotypes of isotype B. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were seen at 14 and 37 positions for β-tubulin isotype A and isotype B, respectively. No evidence of any canonical benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations was found in either human- or pig-derived Ascaris isolates. There was, however, a difference in the genetic diversity of each isotype and distribution of β-tubulin genotypes between human- and pig-derived Ascaris. Statistical tests of population differentiation show significant differences (p < 0.001) between pig- and human-derived worms; however, more diversity was seen between worms from different populations than worms from different hosts. CONCLUSIONS Our work suggests an absence of canonical β-tubulin mutations within Ascaris, but alternative modes of anthelminthic resistance may emerge necessitating continued genetic scrutiny alongside monitoring of drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben P Jones
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Kezia Kozel
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Allen Jethro I Alonte
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Kennesa Klariz R Llanes
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Alexandra Juhász
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Umer Chaudhry
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, True Blue, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Sara Roose
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Peter Geldhof
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Vicente Y Belizario
- Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - J Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - E James LaCourse
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Arnoud H M van Vliet
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Vachel Gay V Paller
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Martha Betson
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK.
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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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Thorn CS, Maness RW, Hulke JM, Delmore KE, Criscione CD. Population genomics of helminth parasites. J Helminthol 2023; 97:e29. [PMID: 36927601 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Next generation sequencing technologies have facilitated a shift from a few targeted loci in population genetic studies to whole genome approaches. Here, we review the types of questions and inferences regarding the population biology and evolution of parasitic helminths being addressed within the field of population genomics. Topics include parabiome, hybridization, population structure, loci under selection and linkage mapping. We highlight various advances, and note the current trends in the field, particularly a focus on human-related parasites despite the inherent biodiversity of helminth species. We conclude by advocating for a broader application of population genomics to reflect the taxonomic and life history breadth displayed by helminth parasites. As such, our basic knowledge about helminth population biology and evolution would be enhanced while the diversity of helminths in itself would facilitate population genomic comparative studies to address broader ecological and evolutionary concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Thorn
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - R W Maness
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - J M Hulke
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - K E Delmore
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - C D Criscione
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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The equine ascarids: resuscitating historic model organisms for modern purposes. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2775-2791. [PMID: 35986167 PMCID: PMC9391215 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The equine ascarids, Parascaris spp., are important nematode parasites of juvenile horses and were historically model organisms in the field of cell biology, leading to many important discoveries, and are used for the study of chromatin diminution. In veterinary parasitology, Parascaris spp. are important not only because they can cause clinical disease in young horses but also because they are the only ascarid parasites to have developed widespread anthelmintic resistance. Despite this, much of the general biology and mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance are poorly understood. This review condenses known basic biological information and knowledge on the mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance in Parascaris spp., highlighting the importance of foundational research programs. Although two variants of this parasite were recognized based on the number of chromosomes in the 1870s and suggested to be two species in 1890, one of these, P. univalens, appears to have been largely forgotten in the veterinary scientific literature over the past 100 years. We describe how this omission has had a century-long effect on nomenclature and data analysis in the field, highlighting the importance of proper specimen identification in public repositories. A summary of important basic biology, including life cycle, in vitro maintenance, and immunology, is given, and areas of future research for the improvement of knowledge and development of new systems are given. Finally, the limited knowledge regarding anthelmintic resistance in Parascaris spp. is summarized, along with caution regarding assumptions that resistance mechanisms can be applied across clades.
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Martin F, Halvarsson P, Delhomme N, Höglund J, Tydén E. Exploring the β-tubulin gene family in a benzimidazole-resistant Parascaris univalens population. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2021; 17:84-91. [PMID: 34467878 PMCID: PMC8406161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Benzimidazole (BZ) drugs are frequently used to treat infections with the equine ascarid Parascaris univalens due to increasing resistance to macrocyclic lactones and pyrantel. Benzimidazole resistance is rare in ascarids in contrast to strongyle parasites where this resistance is widespread. In strongyles, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at codons 167, 198 and 200 in a β-tubulin gene have been correlated to BZ resistance, but little is known about the β-tubulin genes and their possible involvement in BZ resistance in P. univalens and other ascarids. Previously two β-tubulin genes have been identified in P. univalens. In this study, we present five additional β-tubulin genes as well as the phylogenetic relationship of all seven genes to β-tubulins of other clade III and V nematodes. In addition, the efficacy of fenbendazole for treatment of P. univalens on a Swedish stud farm was studied in 2019 and 2020 using faecal egg count reduction test. Reductions varied from 73% to 88%, indicating the presence of a resistant P. univalens population on the farm. The emergence of BZ resistance emphasizes the need for development of molecular markers for rapid and more sensitive detection of resistant populations. We therefore investigated whether possible SNPs at positions 167, 198 or 200 in any of the β-tubulin genes could be used to distinguish between resistant and susceptible P. univalens populations. Amplicon sequencing covering the mutation sites 167, 198 and 200 in all seven β-tubulin genes revealed an absence of SNPs in both resistant and susceptible populations, suggesting that the mechanism behind BZ resistance in ascarids is different from that in strongyle nematodes and the search for a molecular marker for BZ resistance in P. univalens needs to continue. First case of fenbendazole resistance in Parascaris univalens in Europe. The P. univalens β-tubulin family contains seven genes. P. univalens β-tubulin genes cluster with β-tubulins from other clade V nematodes. No resistance associated SNPs were identified in P. univalens β-tubulin genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida Martin
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Peter Halvarsson
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nicolas Delhomme
- Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Johan Höglund
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Tydén
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Janssen IJI, Ramünke S, Goday C, Borges FDA, Koudela B, Niedźwiedź A, Tomczuk K, Studzińska MB, Kornas S, Krücken J. Very low intraspecific sequence variation in selected nuclear and mitochondrial Parascaris univalens genes. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 95:105035. [PMID: 34384934 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Equines were over decades considered to be infected by two morphologically virtually indistinguishable ascarid species, Parascaris univalens and Parascaris equorum. Reliable species discrimination is only possible using enzyme isoelectric focussing and karyotyping with P. univalens having one and P. equorum two chromosome pairs. However, presumably the complexity of both methods prevented their routine use in nearly all previous studies about prevalence and drug resistance of Parascaris spp. These have barely been performed on the species level although most studies stated presence of one or the other species. Recently, only P. univalens has been identified by karyotyping and the last published study identifying P. equorum dates back to 1989. In order to improve species-specific detection, molecular markers are required. Here, partial 12S rRNA, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-1 and - 2 sequences were obtained from 24 karyotyped Parascaris specimens from Poland and 6 German specimens (not karyotyped) and used in phylogenetic analyses with orthologous sequences from GenBank. All karyotyped specimens were identified as P. univalens. In the phylogenetic analysis, they formed very homogenous clusters for all target genes and in a multi-locus analysis. Within this cluster, almost all sequences from GenBank were also included, no matter if they had been assigned to P. univalens or P. equorum. However, a small number of P. univalens ITS and COI sequences originating from donkeys from a single farm in China formed a highly supported sister cluster suggesting that they might represent another Parascaris genotype or species. Our data also strongly suggest that nearly all ITS and COI sequences previously deposited in GenBank and assigned to P. equorum actually represent P. univalens. The fact that significantly different sequences can be found in Parascaris spp. suggests that PCR-based species diagnosis will be possible once molecular markers have been identified for P. equorum from karyotyped specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I Jana I Janssen
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Ramünke
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Clara Goday
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando de A Borges
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Bretislav Koudela
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno 612 42, Czech Republic; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Artur Niedźwiedź
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic for Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Tomczuk
- Sub-Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Maria Bernadeta Studzińska
- Sub-Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Slawomir Kornas
- Department of Zoology and Animal Welfare, Faculty of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture, Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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Martin F, Dube F, Karlsson Lindsjö O, Eydal M, Höglund J, Bergström TF, Tydén E. Transcriptional responses in Parascaris univalens after in vitro exposure to ivermectin, pyrantel citrate and thiabendazole. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:342. [PMID: 32646465 PMCID: PMC7346371 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04212-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parascaris univalens is a pathogenic parasite of foals and yearlings worldwide. In recent years, Parascaris spp. worms have developed resistance to several of the commonly used anthelmintics, though currently the mechanisms behind this development are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the transcriptional responses in adult P. univalens worms after in vitro exposure to different concentrations of three anthelmintic drugs, focusing on drug targets and drug metabolising pathways. Methods Adult worms were collected from the intestines of two foals at slaughter. The foals were naturally infected and had never been treated with anthelmintics. Worms were incubated in cell culture media containing different concentrations of either ivermectin (10−9 M, 10−11 M, 10−13 M), pyrantel citrate (10−6 M, 10−8 M, 10−10 M), thiabendazole (10−5 M, 10−7 M, 10−9 M) or without anthelmintics (control) at 37 °C for 24 h. After incubation, the viability of the worms was assessed and RNA extracted from the anterior region of 36 worms and sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 system. Results All worms were alive at the end of the incubation but showed varying degrees of viability depending on the drug and concentration used. Differential expression (Padj < 0.05 and log2 fold change ≥ 1 or ≤ − 1) analysis showed similarities and differences in the transcriptional response after exposure to the different drug classes. Candidate genes upregulated or downregulated in drug exposed worms include members of the phase I metabolic pathway short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily (SDR), flavin containing monooxygenase superfamily (FMO) and cytochrome P450-family (CYP), as well as members of the membrane transporters major facilitator superfamily (MFS) and solute carrier superfamily (SLC). Generally, different targets of the anthelmintics used were found to be upregulated and downregulated in an unspecific pattern after drug exposure, apart from the GABA receptor subunit lgc-37, which was upregulated only in worms exposed to 10−9 M of ivermectin. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first time the expression of lgc-37 and members of the FMO, SDR, MFS and SLC superfamilies have been described in P. univalens and future work should be focused on characterising these candidate genes to further explore their potential involvement in drug metabolism and anthelmintic resistance.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida Martin
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Faruk Dube
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oskar Karlsson Lindsjö
- SLU-Global Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7023, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Matthías Eydal
- Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, 112, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Johan Höglund
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tomas F Bergström
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7023, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Tydén
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Optimizing and Evaluating the Antihelminthic Activity of the Biocompatible Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Against the Ascaridid Nematode, Parascaris equorum In Vitro. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:873-886. [PMID: 31478140 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00111-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the present study, the effect of different biocompatible concentrations from ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the physiological state and surface topography of the nematode P. equorum was determined in vitro. METHODS Different concentrations of ZnO NPs (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/l) synthesized using the egg white were prepared followed by the incubation of parasitic worms with these concentrations in vitro. The physiological state of treated worms such as oxidative stress markers, enzymatic activities and biochemical parameters in addition to the surface topography was determined and compared with control untreated worms. RESULTS In comparison to control worms, it was observed that at high concentrations of ZnO NPs, most of the treated worms showed an increase in the levels of ALT, AST and ALP (worm muscle damage, and gonad injury); enhancement of the total protein content (worm cellular dysfunction); significant increase in MDA level (free radical-mediated worm cell membrane damage); depletion in GST and GSH activities (reduced ability to clear toxic compounds like lipid peroxides); CAT depletion (superoxide dismutase and hydrogen peroxide toxicity) and NO increase (detoxification activity and stressful conditions on worms). SEM showed that there was a modified morphological appearance in the surface of treated worms; lips were wrinkled with irregularly arranged denticles, weathering of cuticle, bursts of cuticle layers, disruption of surface annulations and erosion of surface papillae of male around the cloacal opening. CONCLUSION ZnO NPs at environmentally relevant concentrations achieved a significant antihelminthic activity against P. equorum which represents a successful model used in parasite control experiments.
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Furtado LFV, Medeiros CDS, Zuccherato LW, Alves WP, de Oliveira VNGM, da Silva VJ, Miranda GS, Fujiwara RT, Rabelo ÉML. First identification of the benzimidazole resistance-associated F200Y SNP in the beta-tubulin gene in Ascaris lumbricoides. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224108. [PMID: 31622428 PMCID: PMC6797262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The main control strategy for Ascaris lumbricoides is mass drug administration (especially with benzimidazoles), which can select strains of parasites resistant to treatment. Mutations in the beta-tubulin isotype-1 gene at codons 167, 198 and 200 have been linked to benzimidazole resistance in several nematodes. The mutation in codon 200 is the most frequent in different species of parasites, as previously observed in Necator americanus and Trichuris trichiura; however, this mutation has never been found in populations of A. lumbricoides. This study aimed to screen for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the beta-tubulin isotype-1 gene at codon 200 in A. lumbricoides. We developed a technique based on an amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS-PCR) for the analysis of 854 single A. lumbricoides eggs collected from 68 human stool samples from seven Brazilian states. We detected the mutation in codon 200 at a frequency of 0.5% (4/854). This is the first report of this mutation in A. lumbricoides. Although the observed frequency is low, its presence indicates that these parasite populations have the potential to develop high levels of resistance in the future. The methodology proposed here provides a powerful tool to screen for the emergence of anthelmintic resistance mutations in parasitic nematode populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Celi da Silva Medeiros
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luciana Werneck Zuccherato
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - William Pereira Alves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Vivian Jordania da Silva
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Silva Miranda
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Élida Mara Leite Rabelo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Malekpour SH, Rakhshandehroo E, Yektaseresht A. Molecular characterization of β-tubulin gene associated with benzimidazole resistance in larvae of field isolates of Parascaris (Nematoda: Ascarididae). J Parasit Dis 2019; 43:672-678. [PMID: 31749539 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-019-01146-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the past 2 decades, an increasing number of resistance to the Benzimidazoles (BZs) have been reported in nematode parasites of livestock. More recently, detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at codons of 167, 198 or 200 of the β-tubulin gene has been attributed to the occurrence of resistance. In the present study, we investigated the presence of those SNPs in the β-tubulin isotype-1 gene in different isolates of Parascaris in horse. Also, the mitochondrial (mt) and ribosomal genes were sequenced for species confirmation of the isolates. The analysis of sequences inferred from COII gene confirmed that those isolates were P. equorum. The distance between mt genes obtained here and several ascarid species in equids and other hosts suggests the need for the combination of more genetic data with morphologic and other diagnostic measures. The analysis on β-tubulin isotype-1 gene revealed no resistance-related SNPs or substitutions at the expected codon positions and selection pressure with BZs has not occurred for Parascaris worms. Although the molecular data showed the susceptibility of Parascaris isolates against BZs, other mechanisms of resistance should be also investigated to confirm the validity of molecular results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hossein Malekpour
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, P.O. Box 71441-69155 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ehsan Rakhshandehroo
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, P.O. Box 71441-69155 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Azadeh Yektaseresht
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, P.O. Box 71441-69155 Shiraz, Iran
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Genome-wide Approaches to Investigate Anthelmintic Resistance. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:289-301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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14
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Tydén E, Skarin M, Andersson-Franko M, Sjöblom M, Höglund J. Differential expression of β-tubulin isotypes in different life stages of Parascaris spp after exposure to thiabendazole. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 205:22-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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