β-Tubulin genotypes in six species of cyathostomins from anthelmintic-naive Przewalski and benzimidazole-resistant brood horses in Ukraine.

Resistance to benzimidazoles (BZ) in the gastrointestinal nematodes of livestock is characterised by the presence of specific polymorphisms in the β-tubulin isotype 1 protein, a component of microtubules. The most prevalent polymorphism associated with resistance in nematodes infecting cattle, sheep, and goats is found at codon 200, with minor occurrences of polymorphisms at codons 167 and 198. In the cyathostomins that infect horses, however, a polymorphism at codon 167 appears to be more common than the codon 200 polymorphism.

P-glycoprotein selection in strains of Haemonchus contortus resistant to benzimidazoles.

Anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes of livestock is a chronic problem in many parts of the world. Benzimidazoles are effective, broad-spectrum anthelmintics that bind to and selectively depolymerise microtubules. Resistance to the benzimidazoles, however, developed quickly and is caused by genetic changes in genes encoding beta-tubulins, subunits of microtubules.

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for benzimidazole resistance in veterinary nematodes.

Resistance to the benzimidazole class of anthelmintics in nematodes of veterinary importance has a long history. Research into the mechanisms responsible for this resistance is subsequently at a more advanced stage than for other classes of anthelmintics. The principal mechanism of resistance to benzimidazoles is likely to involve changes in the primary structure of beta-tubulins, the building blocks of microtubules.

Foreword: towards markers for anthelmintic resistance in helminths of importance in animal and human health.

Anthelmintic resistance is a serious problem in veterinary medicine and appears to be developing in some helminths of importance to human health. Anthelmintic drugs remain the principal means of control of helminth infections in animals and humans and the continued dependence on these pharmaceuticals will continue to impose selection pressure for resistance development. Our ability to detect anthelmintic resistance before control breaks down and to monitor the spread of anthelmintic resistance is quite limited.

Ivermectin selection on beta-tubulin: evidence in Onchocerca volvulus and Haemonchus contortus.

Ivermectin resistance is common in trichostrongylid nematodes of livestock, such as Haemonchus contortus. This anthelmintic is the only drug approved for mass administration to control onchocerciasis caused by the nematode parasite, Onchocerca volvulus. In parts of West Africa up to 18 rounds of ivermectin treatment have been administered to communities and there are reports of poor parasitological responses to treatment.