Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeba R. J. Jesudoss Chelladurai, Katy A. Martin, Pam Vardaxis, Craig Reinemeyer, Paramasivan Vijayapalani, Alan P. Robertson, Matthew T. Brewer
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the role of permeability glycoproteins (P-gps) in Toxocara canis drug tolerance. They found that T. canis has 13 annotated P-gp genes, with at least 10 expressed in adults and hatched larvae, and at least 8 expressed in somatic larvae. However, treatment with macrocyclic lactones did not significantly increase P-gp expression. Further studies are needed to understand the contribution of P-gps to macrocyclic lactone tolerance in T. canis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junhao Zhuge, Xiang Zhou, Lifeng Zhou, Jiafu Hu, Kai Guo
Summary: This study developed the Plant Parasitic Nematodes Database (PPND), a platform that provides genomic, transcriptomic, protein, and functional annotation data for plant parasitic nematode research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Brandon Estrem, Jianbin Wang
Summary: In some species, a process called programmed DNA elimination (PDE) occurs during development, leading to a reduction in the genome. PDE has been observed in the human and pig parasite Ascaris, where specific DNA sequences are lost in somatic cells during embryogenesis. Recent studies have revealed the molecular details of PDE, showing that it involves the elimination of germline-expressed genes and the remodeling of germline chromosomes. Comparative genomics suggests that PDE is important for chromosome karyotype and evolution, and it is conserved in other nematodes. The biological significance of PDE in these parasites is discussed.
Review
Parasitology
Jennifer L. Cain, Martin K. Nielsen
Summary: This article discusses the importance of equine ascarids as nematode parasites in juvenile horses and their role as model organisms in cell biology research. It also highlights the lack of understanding in the general biology and mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance in Parascaris spp. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for proper specimen identification and the impact of omitting important information in scientific literature.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Jianbin Wang
Summary: Established genomic resources for Ascaris and its relatives have provided insights into programmed DNA elimination, small RNA networks, and the evolution of nematode sex chromosomes, highlighting potential drug targets for controlling parasitic nematodes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xinyuan Ma, Paula Agudelo, Vincent P. Richards, J. Antonio Baeza
Summary: This study developed genomic resources for the plant-parasitic nematode Hoplolaimus galeatus, providing insights into its genome size, mitochondrial genome, and repetitive elements. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the exploitation of host plants by this pest.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nicolas Lamassiaude, Elise Courtot, Angelique Corset, Claude L. Charvet, Cedric Neveu
Summary: This study identified and characterized highly conserved GluCl subunits from different nematode species, revealing the pivotal role of GLC-2 subunit in the composition of heteromeric GluCls and discovering a novel GluCl subtype combining GLC-2/GLC-3 subunits. The findings provide new insights into GluCl diversity and potential drug targets for the development of next generation anthelmintic compounds.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Rahim Hassanaly-Goulamhoussen, Ronaldo De Carvalho Augusto, Nathalie Marteu-Garello, Arthur Pere, Bruno Favery, Martine Da Rocha, Etienne G. J. Danchin, Pierre Abad, Christoph Grunau, Laetitia Perfus-Barbeoch
Summary: The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita adapts rapidly to unfavorable conditions through epigenetic mechanisms, impacting gene expression and sharing similar epigenetic signatures with the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The H3K4me3 histone modification is strongly correlated with high expression of genes during specific developmental stages, providing insights into the dynamic regulation of parasitism genes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chunqun Wang, Wenjie Gao, Shi Yan, Xing-Quan Zhu, Xun Suo, Xin Liu, Nishith Gupta, Min Hu
Summary: N-glycosylation is a physiologically vital post-translational modification in eukaryotic organisms, and Haemonchus contortus has exclusive chitobiose modifications in its N-glycans. Immunogenic proteins like peptidases are N-glycosylated in the parasite, with glycan-rich conjugates primarily located in the intestine and gonads of adult worms, evading host immune responses. This comprehensive atlas of N-glycosylation in the prevalent parasitic nematode highlights its importance for infection, immunity, and prevention.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Hai Yan Wu, Juliana de Oliveira Silva, Jennifer Smith Becker, J. Ole Becker
Summary: Plant-parasitic nematodes are significant pests for many crops worldwide. Fluazaindolizine, a fluorinated nematicide, shows strong toxic activity against certain nematode species with low mammalian toxicity. The compound impacts nematode parasitism at non-lethal concentrations and short-term exposure.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Agronomy
Robbie Rae, Laura Sheehy, Kerry McDonald-Howard
Summary: Slug species pose a threat to sustainable agriculture, with current control methods being ineffective and harmful. A viable alternative is the parasitic nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, which can be applied to soil to kill slugs within 4-21 days.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
M. K. Nielsen
Summary: Anthelmintic resistance has become increasingly prevalent in equine nematodes, particularly in cyathostomins, Parascaris spp., and Oxyuris equi. Resistance to benzimidazoles, pyrimidines, and macrocyclic lactones has been documented in cyathostomins and Parascaris spp. The shortened egg reappearance period (ERP) observed in recent studies raises questions about the development of anthelmintic resistance, and more research is needed. Routine monitoring of anthelmintic efficacy is recommended.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katherine Basore, Hongming Ma, Natasha M. Kafai, Samantha Mackin, Arthur S. Kim, Christopher A. Nelson, Michael S. Diamond, Daved H. Fremont
Summary: The recently defined receptor LDLRAD3 binds to the VEEV virus, providing new insights into the structural basis of alphavirus-receptor interactions. Understanding these interactions could inform the development of therapies to mitigate infection and disease caused by multiple members of this virus family.
Article
Plant Sciences
Pasqua Veronico, Nicola Sasanelli, Alberto Troccoli, Arben Myrta, Audun Midthassel, Tariq Butt
Summary: Fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particularly 1-Octen-3-ol, are highly toxic to root-knot nematodes and show potential as ecofriendly alternatives to synthetic nematicides. Exposure to 1-Octen-3-ol and 3-Octanone resulted in high mortality rates of the nematodes, with 1-Octen-3-ol exhibiting greater nematicidal activity than 3-Octanone.
Review
Parasitology
Tapoka T. Mkandawire, Richard K. Grencis, Matthew Berriman, Maria A. Duque-Correa
Summary: Although the process of hatching from eggs in nematodes is of fundamental importance, our understanding of this process is limited. In particular, progress in studying animal-parasitic nematodes has been slow since the 1980s. Enhancing our understanding of this crucial life-cycle process would greatly benefit parasitic nematode research, treatment, and control. This review examines the role of eggs in the nematode life cycle, current knowledge of the hatching cascade, and specific areas that remain unknown. Strategies to address these knowledge gaps and their potential impact in nematode parasite research, treatment, and control are discussed.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Christiane Weingart, Christina S. Helm, Elisabeth Mueller, Ingo Schaefer, Marianne Skrodzki, Georg Von Samson-Himmelstjerna, Jurgen Kruecken, Barbara Kohn
Summary: Vector-borne diseases, including autochthonous Babesia canis infection, are increasing in importance in Germany, particularly in the Berlin/Brandenburg region. This study examined 49 dogs with autochthonous B. canis infection and found severe clinical symptoms and pathological changes. It is recommended to monitor treatment effectiveness through PCR testing during and after treatment, and to implement blood donor screening in high-risk areas and year-round tick protection.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Heike Boelow, Juergen Kruecken, Georg Von Samson-Himmelstjerna
Summary: Gastrointestinal nematodes, especially Parascaris spp. and strongyles, are commonly found parasites in grazing equines. However, there is a lack of epidemiological data on the presence and egg-shedding intensities of these parasites. Based on samples collected from German horse farms, 46.5% of the samples were positive for strongyles with a median egg-shedding intensity of 40, while for Parascaris spp., the prevalence was 4.6% with a median egg-shedding intensity of 0. Various variables were found to influence the prevalence and egg-shedding intensity of both Parascaris and strongyles.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Matthew J. Denwood, Ray M. Kaplan, Iain J. McKendrick, Stig M. Thamsborg, Martin K. Nielsen, Bruno Levecke
Summary: The faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) is a crucial tool for detecting anthelmintic resistance in livestock. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the quantitative issues involved in FECRT and introduces a new approach for determining sample size requirements. The study also presents a classification system for anthelminthic drug efficacy based on a solid statistical framework. The findings of this study will contribute to the upcoming FECRT WAAVP guidelines and are available as open-source software.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Abdul Ghafar, Ghazanfar Abbas, Anne Beasley, Jenni Bauquier, Edwina J. A. Wilkes, Caroline Jacobson, Emma McConnell, Charles El-Hage, Peter Carrigan, Lucy Cudmore, Brett Tennent-Brown, John Hurley, Martin K. Nielsen, Charles G. Gauci, Ian Beveridge, Kristopher J. Hughes, Abdul Jabbar
Summary: This systematic review evaluates molecular investigations on the diagnosis and quantification of gastrointestinal helminths (GIH) in equids, identifies knowledge gaps, and discusses future research directions in equine parasitology. PCR was employed in all of the studies, with sequencing of PCR amplicons in 18 of them. Other techniques used include reverse line blot, qPCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism, nestedPCR, PCR-directed next-generation sequencing, and various other methods. The majority of studies targeted nuclear ribosomal RNA, with only a few studies targeting other loci. The review highlights the importance of advanced metabarcoding techniques for surveillance of parasite populations and the need for further research in this field.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Dermatology
Niklas Weber, Julian Trujillo-Trujillo, Juergen Kruecken, Felipe Castillo, Hermann Feldmeier, Cord Sunderkoetter
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Ray M. Kaplan, Matthew J. Denwood, Martin K. Nielsen, Stig M. Thamsborg, Paul R. Torgerson, John S. Gilleard, Robert J. Dobson, Jozef Vercruysse, Bruno Levecke
Summary: This paper presents guidelines for improving the standardization and performance of the FECRT. The guidelines cover experimental design, choice of FEC method, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results. Specific guidance is provided for different livestock species, and the guidelines adapt to different anthelmintic drugs and parasite species.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Stephanie L. Macdonald, Ghazanfar Abbas, Abdul Ghafar, Charles G. Gauci, Jenni Bauquier, Charles El-Hage, Brett Tennent-Brown, Edwina J. A. Wilkes, Anne Beasley, Caroline Jacobson, Lucy Cudmore, Peter Carrigan, John Hurley, Ian Beveridge, Kristopher J. Hughes, Martin K. Nielsen, Abdul Jabbar
Summary: This paper reviews the available data on the egg reappearance period (ERP) of cyathostomins against the three major classes of anthelmintics. A total of 54 studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Until 2022, there was no agreed definition of the ERP, and different definitions in the literature complicated the comparison between studies. Future research is needed to understand the mechanism(s) behind the shortening of ERP for cyathostomins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elise Courtot, Michel Boisseau, Sophie Dhorne-Pollet, Delphine Serreau, Amandine Gesbert, Fabrice Reigner, Marta Basiaga, Jerome Lluch, Tetiana Kuzmina, Gwenolah Annonay, Claire Kuchly, Irina Diekmann, Juergen Kruecken, Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna, Nuria Mach, Guillaume Salle
Summary: Basic knowledge on the biology and epidemiology of equine strongylid species needs to be improved for better parasite control strategies. Nemabiome metabarcoding is a tool to quantify and identify species in bulk samples. This study compares the performance of ITS-2 and COI barcodes for cyathostomin communities.
Article
Parasitology
William B. Stoughton, Samantha Begin, Susan Outman, Henrik Stryhn, Jenny Yu, Gary Conboy, Martin K. Nielsen
Summary: The widespread overuse of anthelmintics has resulted in the development of intestinal parasites resistant to control measures in horses. A paradigm shift in equine parasite control is necessary to prevent further resistance development and maintain equine health. This study aims to investigate the egg shedding patterns and parasite management practices in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, in order to develop region-specific recommendations.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Ayako Hyuga, Paul Ouma, Abneel K. Matharu, Juergen Kruecken, Satoshi Kaneko, Kensuke Goto, Ulrike Fillinger
Summary: This study evaluated the jumping capabilities of female and male T. penetrans, and found that they have similar jumping abilities to other flea species. The fact that they mostly affect the feet of hosts is likely an adaptation to host behavior, rather than a result of their limited jumping ability.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Ingo Schaefer, Christina Sabine Helm, Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna, Juergen Kruecken, Tanja Kottmann, Annette Holtdirk, Barbara Kohn, Guy Hendrickx, Cedric Marsboom, Elisabeth Mueller
Summary: This study assessed the prevalence of Babesia spp. infections in dogs in Germany and identified potential risk factors for infection. The results showed that Babesia canis is endemic in Germany and the prevalence of infection is influenced by season, sex, age, tick attachment, and ectoparasite prophylaxis. Travel and importation of dogs are also considered major factors associated with canine babesiosis in Germany.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Martin K. Nielsen, Dave M. Leathwick, Christian W. Sauermann
Summary: In the past three decades, the egg reappearance periods (ERPs) for macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics in horses have become significantly shorter. This study used computer simulations to evaluate the impact of shortened ERPs on the efficacy of ivermectin and moxidectin against equine cyathostomins. The results showed a substantial loss in anthelmintic performance due to the shortened ERPs.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Barbara Hinney, Sandra Wiedermann, Antonio Bosco, Laura Rinaldi, Martin Hofer, Anja Joachim, Juergen Kruecken, Ralf Steinborn
Summary: Haemonchus contortus, the most pathogenic nematode in small ruminants, is hampered by anthelmintic resistance (AR). Detection of AR status using phenotypic tests cannot achieve early detection, but single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the isotype 1 & beta;-tubulin gene allow early detection of AR-associated alleles in benzimidazoles (BZs). A novel digital PCR (dPCR) was developed to detect these SNPs in H. contortus, with a detection limit of 15 copies/& mu;l and high accuracy. The developed assays showed elevated frequencies of F200Y resistance alleles in Austrian samples and identified polymorphisms in codon 167 and codon 198 for the first time in H. contortus from Austria. In Italian samples, the frequency of resistance alleles was comparatively low but traceable. The dPCR assays provide a valuable tool for early onset SNP-based surveillance of AR development in H. contortus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
M. K. Nielsen
Summary: This study reports fecal egg count data from a Thoroughbred operation in Central Kentucky in 2023, showing low efficacy of anthelmintic drugs against Anoplocephalid tapeworms in horses. The findings raise concerns about the possible development of anthelmintic resistance and highlight the need for developing alternative treatment options and refining evaluation methods for anti-cestodal treatment efficacy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Moritz Stummer, Vicky Frisch, Frauke Glitz, Barbara Hinney, Joachim Spergser, Juergen Kruecken, Irina Diekmann, Katharina Dimmel, Christiane Riedel, Jessika-Maximiliane V. Cavalleri, Till Ruemenapf, Anja Joachim, Manolis Lyrakis, Angelika Auer
Summary: Acute abdominal pain in horses is a significant global health threat, requiring intensive veterinary care and often surgery. Equine coronavirus (ECoV) infections, although rarely considered, can cause colic in horses. A study was conducted to determine the frequency of undetected ECoV infections in horses with acute colic, revealing that 5.7% of colic horses and 2.8% of control horses tested positive for Betacoronaviruses. Furthermore, sequences closely related to bovine coronaviruses (BCoV) were found in three out of six coronavirus-positive horses with colic, indicating a need for further investigation into the pathogenic potential of BCoV in horses.