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Anti-parasitic immunity in the horse: overview of current knowledge – preliminary results on the parietal cellular response of the large intestine after natural infection with cyathostomes.
June 16, 2025
Anthelmintic Use
Key Practices:
Targeted Treatment: Use fecal egg counts (FEC) to deworm only high-risk horses .
Refugia Management: Leave a portion of parasites untreated to dilute resistant genes .
Pasture Management
- Rotational Grazing: Reduces larval buildup .
- Mixed Grazing with Ruminants: Disrupts parasite transmission .
- Bioactive Forages: Chicory pastures cut egg excretion by 50% .
Frontiers of Innovation: Natural Compounds and Beyond
Promising Alternatives:
Benzyl Isothiocyanate (BITC): Derived from papaya seeds, inhibits 100% of egg hatching at 1.0 μg/ml .
Papain: Reduces larval migration by 80% at 1.0 mg/ml .
Combination Therapies: Pairing ivermectin with oxbendazole delays resistance .
Future Directions:
- Vaccines: Targeting larval antigens to boost Th2 responses.
- CRISPR-based Tools: Editing parasite genes to restore drug susceptibility.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Defense
The fight against cyathostomes demands a blend of immunology, pharmacology, and ecology. While the horse’s immune system offers partial protection, integrating smarter deworming, pasture management, and natural compounds could revolutionize control. As research unveils the parietal cellular responses post-infection (see preliminary studies ), the dream of a parasite-free pasture inches closer. For now, vigilance and innovation remain our best allies.
Tables
Table 1: Prevalence of Key Equine Parasites
| Parasite | Prevalence | Clinical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cyathostomes | >90% | Colitis, diarrhea, weight loss |
| Tapeworms | 30–60% | Ileocecal colic |
| Large Strongyles | <5% | Arterial damage (historical) |
Table 2: Natural Interventions Against Cyathostomes
| Compound/Source | Mechanism | Efficacy |
|---|---|---|
| Chicory pasture | Terpenes disrupt larval development | 50% egg reduction |
| BITC | Inhibits egg hatching | 100% at 1.0 μg/ml |
| Papain | Blocks larval migration | 80% at 1.0 mg/ml |
Table 3: Anthelmintic Resistance Timeline
| Drug Class | 1980s | 2000s | 2020s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benzimidazoles | Effective | High resistance | Obsolete |
| Ivermectin | – | Gold standard | Use with caution |