- 24 Jan, 2025
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UCalgary researchers identify new human parasite species resistant to current drug treatments
Introduction A breakthrough in parasitology has emerged from the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM), where researchers have identified a new species of parasitic roundworm, Trichuris incognita, affecting human populations in West Africa. This discovery, highlighted in the upcoming publication in Emerging Infectious Diseases, sheds light on the growing issue of drug resistance in soil-transmitted helminths (STHs).
The Discovery of Trichuris Incognita The research team, including Dr. Abhinaya Venkatesan, Dr. John Soghigian, and Dr. John Gilleard, explored the efficacy of drug treatments against STHs, which impact around 1.5 billion people globally, predominantly in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. These parasites, including hookworms, whipworms, and large roundworms, are typically managed with medications like albendazole and ivermectin.
During a series of clinical trials across various countries, coordinated by Dr. Jennifer Keiser of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, the team noticed that the standard drug combination was markedly less effective in Côte d’Ivoire. Genetic analysis conducted by Dr. Venkatesan during her PhD research revealed a startling fact: the worms from this region belonged to a previously unidentified species, Trichuris incognita, more closely related to a parasitic species found in pigs.
Implications of the Discovery This new parasite species presents a significant challenge as it appears to be poorly controlled by the current drug combinations endorsed by the World Health Organization for global parasite control. The implications of this discovery are profound, indicating a potential need to rethink treatment strategies in affected regions.
Future Directions and One Health Approach Dr. Soghigian emphasizes the urgency of applying newly developed genetic tools to determine the geographical distribution of Trichuris incognita and assess its impact on current and future health strategies. This research exemplifies the transdisciplinary One Health approach adopted by UCVM, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health sciences to address critical global health issues.
Conclusion The discovery of Trichuris incognita by the UCVM team not only highlights the dynamic nature of parasitic diseases but also underscores the importance of continuous surveillance, advanced diagnostics, and adaptive treatment strategies in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.
This finding calls for a global reassessment of how we manage and monitor the treatment of parasitic infections, reinforcing the need for a united approach in science and healthcare to tackle these pervasive challenges.