Eva Tydén

My overall aim is to improve sustainable parasite control through a deeper understanding of anthelmintic resistance, host–parasite interactions, and the development of innovative diagnostic tools. Below is a summary of my different research areas. For detailed insights see my publication list and my co-authors. 

Anthelmintic Resistance

Over the past decade, my research has contributed important insights into anthelmintic resistance and its implications for sustainable parasite control in horses. One of my key achievements has been documenting the rapid spread of fenbendazole resistance on Swedish stud farms.

Through detailed molecular analyses, I have demonstrated the diversity of resistance mechanisms and shown why genetic markers cannot easily be extrapolated across nematode species. Together with colleagues, I recently identified a potential biomarker associated with fenbendazole resistance in the equine roundworm Parascaris spp. This work contributes to a better understanding of resistance pathways and may support the development of future molecular diagnostic strategies.

Sustainable Parasite Control

Another major focus of my research is sustainable parasite control in horses, with particular emphasis on balancing effective parasite management with the growing challenge of anthelmintic resistance. Through epidemiological studies, I have investigated management practices and risk factors associated with Strongylus vulgaris infection in Swedish horse establishments. My work has shown that large farms and livery yards face an increased risk of infection, whereas biosecurity measures such as quarantine routines and treatment of newly introduced horses can significantly reduce parasite transmission.

In parallel, I have explored pasture-management strategies aimed at reducing environmental parasite contamination. My studies demonstrated that frequent faecal removal effectively lowers pasture larval burdens. I have also shown that strongyle larvae can survive for extended periods under Nordic climatic conditions, providing important insights into grazing management and pasture-rest strategies.

Precision Diagnostics for Drug-Resistant Equine Parasites

One current research aims to develop precision diagnostics for the early detection of drug-resistant Parascaris infections in foals by identifying extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated molecular biomarkers during the migratory phase of infection. Current diagnostic methods rely on faecal egg detection and therefore fail to identify early larval stages, while widespread anthelmintic resistance has severely limited treatment options. This project addresses a critical need for innovative diagnostic and control strategies in equine health and seeks to improve early detection of resistant parasite infections before clinical disease and environmental contamination occur.

Intestinal Organoid Models to Study Host–Parasite Interactions

In recent years, I have focused on developing innovative in vitro systems to model host–parasite interactions. I have established robust protocols for hatching and culturing parasite larvae for experimental studies and am currently using intestinal organoid models from horses, sheep, and cattle to investigate epithelial responses to parasite infection and immune stimulation.

This work aims to generate new knowledge of how parasites modulate epithelial barriers and shape early immune responses. By comparing host species, the research provides unique insights into conserved versus host-specific mechanisms of parasite survival and host defence. Ultimately, the goal is to identify early diagnostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets that can support sustainable parasite control in both ruminants and horses.

Teaching is primarily focused on infection biology and pharmacology. I contribute to teaching within the veterinary medicine programme, veterinary nursing programme, equine science programme, ethology and animal welfare programme, and the animal science programme. Supervising undergraduate and master’s thesis projects is also an important part of my work.