A systematic review and meta-analysis on the current status of anthelmintic resistance in equine nematodes: A global perspective

Background

The intensive application of anthelmintics in equine has led to considerable resistance in cyathostomins and Parascaris equorum. It has been well documented that benzimidazole (BZ) and pyrantel resistance is widespread in cyathostomins and Parascaris equorum. Since no new classes of anthelmintic have been introduced in the last 40 years, it is critical to be aware of the current risk factors of anthelmintic application to avoid further resistance.

Objective

To review the factors affecting the level of anthelmintics resistance in equine around the world, type of anthelmintics, mode of application, dosage, nematode species, and location of anthelmintics application were evaluated and summarized.

Design/procedure

A systematic review and meta-analyses following the PRISMA Framework were conducted to identify, evaluate, and synthesize primary literature reporting the efficacy of anthelmintic drugs in equines. Information on the bibliographic data, anthelmintic drugs, animals, continents, parasite genera, type of anthelmintics, and dosage was collected. Nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney) were used in SPSS (v.27) to investigate the association between variables. Factors that have a significant impact on efficacy have been subjected to binary logistic regression. Six meta-analyses were conducted in Microsoft Excel (2021) to qualify current resistance issues of the three major anthelmintics classes.

Results

The final database was composed of 60 articles published between 1994 and 2022 with a total of 11835 animals. Anthelmintic class as well as anthelmintic active principle selection did have a significant effect on resistance (P < 0.01), whilst no correlation of the type of anthelmintics, mode of application, and dosage with efficacy were found. Anthelmintics resistance in ascarid was significantly more severe than in strongyle (P < 0.01). Macrocyclic lactone (ML) class and the benzimidazole and probenzimidazole (BP) class have the lowest efficacy against ascarid and strongyle, respectively (67.83% and 69.85%). The effect of location (by continent) also had a significant influence on the resistance of the ML class (P < 0.01). The resistance of the BP class which is the most prevalently applied was demonstrated in all six continents. Binary logistic regression revealed that parasite genera and drug class independently influenced the presence of drug resistance. The forest plots included in this study did not show a significant difference over time.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicated that anthelmintics resistance of ML and BP class were common in ascarid and strongyle. A combination of anthelmintics may reduce anthelmintics resistance, but multi-drug resistance may be a concern. Customerised anthelmintics strategy could help reduce resistance.