Developing new tools to track parasite drug resistance

Soil-transmitted helminths are parasites that affect both animals and humans, causing major health and economic problems worldwide. With growing concerns about resistance to commonly used anthelminthics, there is a pressing need for better tools to detect and monitor these changes before they spread widely.

Our team is currently coordinating a public-private research project that aims to develop a standardized in vitro testing system for detecting drug resistance in zoonotic nematodes of dogs and cats.

Our role focuses on several critical areas: designing and running field protocols for sample collection across multiple regions and host groups, ensuring that the data reflects real evolutionary, ecological and epidemiological conditions. We also contribute to preparing datasets that link parasite biology with environmental variables, making the future testing system adaptable to different geographic areas. Alongside laboratory partners, we are helping refine the standard operating procedures that will form the basis of a practical, user-friendly diagnostic kit.

The outcome of this project will be more than just a research model: it will provide veterinarians, researchers, and public health agencies with a reliable tool to track drug resistance in parasites of companion animals. This will directly support better treatment decisions and help protect both animal and human health.