In vitro model to study the resistance of the equine roundworm

Last changed: 02 February 2024
Foal on pasture

Equine roundworm is a common parasite in Swedish stud farms where it infects foals. Foals are usually treated for roundworm regularly without prior faecal sampling, but in recent years the parasite has developed resistance to all available deworming agents.

The aim of this thesis is to develop a method to study incipient resistance using the infectious stage of roundworm larvae. Faecal samples from stud farms with known resistance status will be used. Larvae will be exposed to drugs and the effect will be studied by using a fluorescent substrate as a measure of larval viability after exposure. The aim is to develop a diagnostic to detect incipient resistance before it becomes a threat to foal health.

Contact

Eva Tydén
Researcher at the Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health; Parasitology Unit
Telephone: +4618671208
E-mail: eva.tyden@slu.se