Review on Triclabendazole Resistance in Fasciola

Abstract

The control of Fasciolosis can be achieved by application of anthelmintic drugs, elimination of the number of intermediate hosts and reduction of exposure to infection. Triclabendazole, which is a member of Benzimidazole, is most recommended and effective way of controlling fasciolosis in animals and humans that can kill both mature (adult) and immature liver flukes. This drug have able to penetrate the tegument of Fasciola (F) hepatica by diffusion, and the fluke is able to sulfoxidate the drug to the active sulfoxide metabolite which binds to β-tubulin and thus inhibit the formation of microtubules that are components of cytoskeleton of the parasite. However, in recent year, resistance of Triclabendazole is reported in animals and humans in different regions of the world. Resistance has likely appeared due to a generally poor understanding of liver fluke biology by farmers and con-founding factors, such as incorrect dosing, inappropriate product choice, and lack of testing for efficacy. These conditions may lead to reduced diffusion and metabolism of the drug, change efflux pump activity and changes in the target molecule that can reduce the effectiveness of Triclabendazole. Both in-vivo and in-vitro methods, like Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) and the Egg Hatch Assay (EHA), respectively, can help to investigate the resistance of Triclabendazole. Administration of dual active flukicide drugs, development of vaccines, implementation of Fasciola control methods other than Triclabendazole, and use of accurate dosage at appropriate time can help to reduce the incidence of Triclabendazole resistance.