Article
Microbiology
Kaetlyn T. Ryan, Nicolas J. Wheeler, Isaac K. Kamara, Hailey Johnson, Judith E. Humphries, Mostafa Zamanian, John D. Chan
Summary: Macrocyclic lactones are commonly used to treat parasitic roundworm infections, but their activity against parasitic flatworms has not been thoroughly studied. Ivermectin, a prototypical macrocyclic lactone, is known to be ineffective against flatworms. However, other macrocyclic lactones may have antiparasitic activity on flatworms. In this study, an automated imaging assay combined with measurement of lactate levels was used to screen 21 macrocyclic lactones against adult schistosomes. Several macrocyclic lactones were identified to cause paralysis and lack of lactate production in vitro, but further testing in mice did not show a reduction in worm burden.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
S. Werne, K. Schwarz, S. Thuer, B. Bapst
Summary: In order to control gastrointestinal nematodes, which have developed resistance to anthelmintic drugs, supportive measures are needed. The use of faecal egg count (FEC) as a trait for selection in sheep has been proven feasible, but it comes with certain costs. FAMACHA(c), a colour classification of the eyelid, could serve as a cheaper resistance trait.
Article
Parasitology
Paulius Baltrusis, Peter Halvarsson, Johan Hoglund
Summary: This study used three different bioinformatic pipelines to analyze the amplicon sequencing data of nematodes in sheep fecal samples to determine species composition and richness. The results showed that the three pipelines produced nearly identical outcomes and identified Haemonchus contortus as the primary parasite causing anthelmintic resistance in Swedish sheep farms.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Roger K. Prichard
Summary: Heartworm disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis and transmitted by mosquitoes, is a lethal disease in dogs and cats. Prevention primarily relies on macrocyclic lactones, with resistance to these drugs being an important issue that requires better testing methods for confirmation and surveillance of resistance levels. Additional research and development of new classes of heartworm preventives are needed to combat the spread of resistance and further disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Cengiz Gokbulut, Busra Aslan Akyol, Kubra Deliklitas
Summary: A rapid and simple HPLC and modified QuEChERS extraction method was developed and validated for the analysis of anthelmintic MLs residues in cow, sheep, and goat milk. The method is rapid, simple, sensitive, and environmentally friendly, and can be used for multiple residue analyses of anthelmintic MLs in milk for human consumption.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
H. M. P. Dilrukshi Herath, Aya C. Taki, Ali Rostami, Abdul Jabbar, Jennifer Keiser, Timothy G. Geary, Robin B. Gasser
Summary: This article summarizes the development of whole-worm phenotypic screening assays for anthelmintic discovery in academic laboratories over the past few decades. The review reveals a variety of screening methods with different throughput capacities, with recent advancements in quantitative, semi-automated, and high-throughput approaches. These methods primarily evaluate worm features such as motility, growth, morphological changes, and viability for screening purposes.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Damien M. O'Halloran
Summary: Glutamate-gated chloride channels are a protein family that are activated by glutamate and serve as targets for antiparasitic drugs. Analysis of a database of predicted glutamate-gated chloride subunit genes from various nematode species revealed patterns of gene count and sequence diversity.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Livio M. Costa-Junior, Umer N. Chaudhry, Carolina R. Silva, Dauana M. Sousa, Naylene C. Silva, Jose A. A. Cutrim-Junior, Danilo R. B. Brito, Neil D. Sargison
Summary: The study revealed differences in gastrointestinal nematode species infection in co-grazed sheep and goats, with varied post-anthelmintic treatment burden re-establishment patterns among different host species, as well as differences in drug efficacy between age and species groups.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Kathryn S. Evans, Janneke Wit, Lewis Stevens, Steffen R. Hahnel, Briana Rodriguez, Grace Park, Mostafa Zamanian, Shannon C. Brady, Ellen Chao, Katherine Introcaso, Robyn E. Tanny, Erik C. Andersen
Summary: Researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism to study macrocyclic lactone (ML) resistance, identifying three genomic regions on chromosome V that contribute to natural differences in response to abamectin. Two novel loci were discovered, likely representing new resistance mechanisms. By comparing genes in these new loci to those in the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus, potential shared resistance genes between nematode species were identified. Overall, this study highlights the advantages of using C. elegans to understand anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maria Victoria Miro, Livio Martins Costa-Junior, Mercedes Lloberas, Patricia Cardozo, Carlos Lanusse, Guillermo Virkel, Adrian Lifschitz
Summary: In the past 50 years, the limited incorporation of modern drugs with new mechanisms of action has led to an increase in drug resistance worldwide. Therefore, finding alternative pharmacological tools is a priority in ruminant production systems. Natural products have historically played a relevant role in drug discovery. Although many phytochemicals have shown anthelmintic activity in vitro, their in vivo pharmacological properties have not been extensively explored. This study aimed to evaluate the combined administration of ivermectin and carvone to lambs infected with resistant nematodes and found that innovative pharmaceutical formulations are needed to fully utilize the anthelmintic activity of phytochemicals.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. M. Ahbara, M. Rouatbi, M. Gharbi, M. Rekik, A. Haile, B. Rischkowsky, J. M. Mwacharo
Summary: The study revealed that traditionally managed indigenous sheep have evolved multiple strategies to combat gastrointestinal nematode infections, including enhancing resistance and developing defense mechanisms. Through molecular research, multiple potential genetic mechanisms were discovered, which contribute to understanding the resistance and developmental stability of these sheep.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Maiken Gravdal, Lucy J. Robertson, Kristoffer R. Tysnes, Johan Hoglund, Christophe Chartier, Snorre Stuen
Summary: Most Norwegian farmers treat sheep prophylactically against nematodes, with few using parasitological analysis to assess treatment timing. The use of benzimidazoles decreased while macrocyclic lactones increased. Farmers relied heavily on veterinarians for parasite treatment advice, but had uncertainties regarding parasite presence in their flocks, particularly for Haemonchus contortus.
Article
Parasitology
M. J. Evans, U. N. Chaudhry, L. M. Costa-Junior, K. Hamer, S. R. Leeson, N. D. Sargison
Summary: Anthelmintic resistance poses a global threat to sheep production sustainability. Strategies to combat this resistance require a better understanding of gastrointestinal nematode diversity, population dynamics, and genetics, with field studies and genetic analysis playing a crucial role in refining models and identifying resistant mutations. This study in southeastern Scotland highlights the importance of including species identification in epidemiological studies and the need for continued monitoring of anthelmintic resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Agronomy
Laraibah Hamid, Abdulrhman Alsayari, Hidayatullah Tak, Suhail Ahmad Mir, Mohammad Ali Abdullah Almoyad, Shadma Wahab, Ghulam Nabi Bader
Summary: Helminth parasitic infections pose a significant constraint to the livestock industries worldwide, particularly caused by nematode parasites. These infections result in severe economic losses and increasing morbidity and mortality in cattle, goat, and sheep farming industries, with zoonotic implications. Resistance against anthelmintic drugs has further complicated the situation. Plant-based nanoparticles show promise as therapeutic alternatives, offering improved efficacy and target selectivity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these nanoparticles, including methods of resistance detection and potential solutions.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lynsey A. Melville, Giles Innocent, Jan Van Dijk, Sian Mitchell, David J. Bartley
Summary: The survey revealed that control of Nematodirus battus infection is challenging and 'one-size-fits-all' advice is not applicable; however, the information gathered will enable the development of effective, adaptable control strategies.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Stephen R. Doyle, Roz Laing, David J. Bartley, Collette Britton, Umer Chaudhry, John S. Gilleard, Nancy Holroyd, Barbara K. Mable, Kirsty Maitland, Alison A. Morrison, Andy Tait, Alan Tracey, Matthew Berriman, Eileen Devaney, James A. Cotton, Neil D. Sargison
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2018)
Review
Parasitology
Roz Laing, Victoria Gillan, Eileen Devaney
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Parasitology
Guillaume Salle, Roz Laing, James A. Cotton, Kirsty Maitland, Axel Martinelli, Nancy Holroyd, Alan Tracey, Matthew Berriman, W. David Smith, George F. J. Newlands, Eve Hanks, Eileen Devaney, Collette Britton
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Parasitology
L. Lecova, F. Weisz, P. Tumova, V. Tolarova, E. Nohynkova
Article
Parasitology
Jennifer McIntyre, Kim Hamer, Alison A. Morrison, David J. Bartley, Neil Sargison, Eileen Devaney, Roz Laing
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Parasitology
P. Tumova, L. Mazanek, L. Lecova, J. Dluhosova, H. Typovska, V Kotrasova, V Tichackova, E. Nohynkova
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2018)
Article
Parasitology
Petra Matouskova, Lenka Lecova, Roz Laing, Diana Dimunova, Heiko Vogel, Lucie Raisova Stuchlikova, Linh Thuy Nguyen, Pavlina Kellerova, Ivan Vokral, Jiri Lamka, Barbora Szotakova, Marian Varady, Lenka Skalova
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2018)
Article
Parasitology
Lenka Lecova, Pavla Tumova, Eva Nohynkova
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Microbiology
Roz Laing, Stephen R. Doyle, Jennifer McIntyre, Kirsty Maitland, Alison Morrison, David J. Bartley, Ray Kaplan, Umer Chaudhry, Neil Sargison, Andy Tait, James A. Cotton, Collette Britton, Eileen Devaney
Summary: Through crossbreeding and gene expression analysis, we have identified certain genes associated with ivermectin resistance and proposed a novel mechanism that allows resistant worms to survive treatment. This is crucial for understanding ivermectin resistance and response to treatment in parasitic helminths.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jennifer McIntyre, Laura Miskell, Eric R. Morgan, Fiona Lovatt, Roz Laing
Summary: This study investigated the use and effectiveness of moxidectin against gastrointestinal nematodes among Scottish sheep farmers. The results showed that although the majority of farmers used moxidectin, there was variation in their knowledge levels, and most farmers did not consistently follow the guidelines for sustainable control of parasites.
Article
Parasitology
Alistair Antonopoulos, Stephen R. Doyle, David J. Bartley, Alison A. Morrison, Ray Kaplan, Sue Howell, Cedric Neveu, Valentina Busin, Eileen Devaney, Roz Laing
Summary: Haemonchus contortus is a parasitic nematode that infects small ruminants and causes health issues and economic losses in the livestock industry. The treatment for this parasite primarily relies on broad-spectrum anthelmintics, but resistance has emerged. Levamisole (LEV) is an important treatment option, as resistance to LEV is less common. Genetic variation at the acr-8 locus has been implicated in LEV resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ivona Pavkova, Monika Kopeckova, Marek Link, Erik Vlcak, Vlada Filimonenko, Lenka Lecova, Jitka Zakova, Pavlina Laskova, Valeria Sheshko, Miloslav Machacek, Jiri Stulik
Summary: This study discovered the involvement of Francisella tularensis GAPDH homologue GapA in multiple pathogenic processes at the host cell level. The localization of GapA was demonstrated using immunoelectron microscopy, and its interaction with multiple host cellular proteins was identified using quantitative proteomic approaches. The impact of GapA deletion on cytokine gene transcription and signaling pathway activation was investigated. The results showed that GapA enhanced the transcription of various cytokines, which was not observed in cells infected with a fully virulent wild-type strain. This study provides evidence that GapA is directly involved in multiple host cellular processes and contributes to various molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis.
Article
Parasitology
Lenka Lecova, Iva Hammerbauerova, Pavla Tumova, Eva Nohynkova
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Biology
Stephen R. Doyle, Alan Tracey, Roz Laing, Nancy Holroyd, David Bartley, Wojtek Bazant, Helen Beasley, Robin Beech, Collette Britton, Karen Brooks, Umer Chaudhry, Kirsty Maitland, Axel Martinelli, Jennifer D. Noonan, Michael Paulini, Michael A. Quail, Elizabeth Redman, Faye H. Rodgers, Guillaume Salle, Muhammad Zubair Shabbir, Geetha Sankaranarayanan, Janneke Wit, Kevin L. Howe, Neil Sargison, Eileen Devaney, Matthew Berriman, John S. Gilleard, James A. Cotton
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2020)