Abstract:
Helminths are a various types of parasites causing a major health problem for
animals in different parts of the globe. Control of helminthiasis has largely relied on the use
of pharmaceutical anthelmintics. Unfortunately, the exhaustive use of anthelmintic drugs has
led to a serious and dramatic level of anthelmintic resistance. Anthelmintic resistance is
a heritable loss of sensitivity of an anthelmintic in a parasite population that was in the past
susceptible to the same anthelmintic. The development of anthelmintic resistance is evident
to different helminths of almost every animal species and to different groups of anthelmintic
in several continents. Frequent treatment, underdosing, genetics of the parasite, and targeting
and timing of mass treatment are predisposing factors for anthelmintic resistance.
Upregulation of cellular efflux mechanisms, an increase in drug metabolism, a change in
drug receptor sites that reduces drug binding or the functional consequences of drug binding,
and a decrease in drug receptor abundance through reduced expression within the parasite are
the main mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance. In vivo method like fecal egg count
reduction test and in vitro method such as egg hatch assays, larval motility test, larval
development test and PCR can be used for the detection of anthelmintic resistance. Proper
utilization of anthelmintic drugs, using combined anthelmintic and applying other alternatives
are essential strategies to slow down the development of anthelmintic resistance. As
anthelmintic resistance is a serious challenge throughout the world, proper utilization of the
existing anthelmintics and reducing dependence on anthelmintics should be implemented to
reduce its challenge.
Keywords: anthelmintic, development, helminths, mechanism, resistance
