Markers for the detection of anthelmintic resistance - from farms to genes

Parasitic nematodes cause serious disease problems in plants and animals worldwide. When infections can no longer be controlled, health, welfare and production are affected. Animals are therefore often treated with anthelmintics.

Particularly in the case of parasites in grazing animals, incorrect deworming has driven the development of resistance, but increasingly also in other animal species and in humans.

In this project, we will use genetic tools to find out what causes resistance to anthelmintics in the bloodsucking large roundworm Haemonchus contortus, which parasitises sheep.

First, we will use whole genome sequencing to identify gene variants in adult worms that are associated with resistance.

The presence of the detected gene variants in pooled parasite samples from at least 40 randomly selected farms will then be further investigated by generating SNP arrays. On the farms, we will also measure the decrease in egg laying of the parasite after deworming. Data will also be collected on animal flows and deworming routines.

This will allow us to calculate risk factors related to the resistance status of the farms. Finally, new genetic assays based on digital PCR technology are being developed.

This will allow for even more comprehensive research by linking the genetic results to the treatment effect measured in the traditional way.

The long-term goal of the project is to develop molecular diagnostic tools for the detection of resistance that can be used routinely.