Absence of mutations associated with resistance to benzimidazole in the beta-tubulin gene of Ascaris suum

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2020 Mar 16:53:e20190155. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0155-2019. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Introduction: Benzimidazoles are commonly used for the control of veterinary nematodes. Resistance to benzimidazoles has been associated with three single nucleotide polymorphisms in the β-tubulin gene of common nematodes. However, these mutations are infrequent in the genus Ascaris spp.

Methods: In order to determine mutations associated with benzimidazole resistance in Ascaris suum, worms were collected from slaughtered pigs and a partial region of the β-tubulin gene was sequenced.

Results: All parasites showed the wildtype genotype for codons 167, 198, and 200 of the β-tubulin gene.

Conclusions: This is the first report of genetic sequences associated with benzimidazole resistance in A. suum.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ascaris suum / drug effects*
  • Ascaris suum / genetics*
  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance / genetics*
  • Genotype
  • Mutation*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Swine
  • Tubulin / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Benzimidazoles
  • Tubulin