Progress in serology and molecular biology of equine parasite diagnosis: sustainable control strategies.
Authors: Wang Tengyu, Chen Xindi, Yan Xu, Su Ya, Gao Wa, Liu Chunxia, Wang Wenlong
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Equine Parasite Diagnosis in the Age of Molecular Biology Internal parasites remain a stubborn problem in equine practice, compounded by the absence of effective vaccines and accelerating anthelmintic resistance—a combination that has prompted researchers to question whether current control strategies can remain viable long-term. Wang Tengyu's team reviewed progress in serological and molecular diagnostic approaches for major equine parasites, evaluating how gene-based techniques targeting ITS1, ITS2, COI, and IGS regions have been applied to strongylid species identification and large-scale epidemiological mapping. Whilst these molecular methods have proven valuable in research settings, they have rarely transitioned to practical field diagnostics, highlighting a significant gap between laboratory capability and clinical utility. The authors argue that future development must prioritise accessible, real-time diagnostic tools, and note that declining sequencing costs now make whole genome analysis increasingly feasible—enabling identification of specific genetic markers linked to parasitic infections and paving the way for more sophisticated techniques such as qPCR and ELISA platforms. For practitioners, this review underscores that sustainable parasite control depends not merely on new drugs, but on implementing diagnostics precise enough to guide targeted treatment and monitor resistance patterns, making investment in molecular diagnostic capacity a strategic priority for equine health management.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Current fecal egg count and traditional diagnostic methods are limited for parasite species identification and drug resistance detection—advocate for adoption of molecular diagnostics in your practice as these technologies mature and become field-accessible
- •Drug resistance is a real and growing threat; work with veterinarians to implement targeted, evidence-based parasite control protocols rather than routine mass treatments to preserve anthelmintic efficacy
- •Expect significant improvements in parasite diagnostic capabilities over the next 5 years as genome sequencing costs decline and clinical-grade molecular tests become commercially available for field use
Key Findings
- •Current diagnostic techniques based on ITS1, ITS2, COI, and IGS genes are effective for species identification and large-scale epidemiological studies but remain largely confined to laboratory research rather than field application
- •Most equine parasite control strategies are currently unsustainable due to absence of effective vaccines and growing drug resistance challenges
- •Whole genome sequencing and post-genomic technologies offer promising potential for developing precise diagnostic markers and population genetics tools for equine parasites, though comprehensive genomic databases remain limited
- •High-throughput sequencing, ELISA, and TaqMan qPCR represent emerging technologies with significant potential to advance equine parasitology diagnostics and sustainable control programs