An application of metabolomics to the detection of anthelmintic resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats (METABOL-AR)
The project was financed by grant no. ICRAD/III/28/METABOL-AR/2025.
Project duration 01.04.2025-31.03.2028
Consortium
(P1) dr Marcin Mickiewicz (Coordinator), prof. Michał Czopowicz, prof. Jarosław Kaba – Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland (SGGW), marcin_mickiewicz@sggw.edu.pl
(P2) dr Aija Mālniece – Latvia University of Life Science and Technologies, Latvia (LBTU)
(P3) dr Carine Paraud – French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Farnce (ANSES)
(P4) prof. Eric Morgan – Queen’s University Belfast, UK (QUB)
(P5) prof. Karim Adjou – Veterinary School of Alfort, France (ENVA)
(P6) dr Ozan Gundemir – Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Turkey (IUC)
(P7) dr Kaari Reimus – Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia (EMU
Project summary
main classes of anthelmintics, including most commonly used – benzimidazoles. While the genetic background of resistance to benzimidazoles has been well clarified, little is known about the consequences of anthelmintic resistance for metabolism of gastrointestinal nematodes. The objective of METABOL-AR project is to quantify the metabolome of the larval stages of gastrointestinal nematodes susceptible and resistant to benzimidazoles. Therefore, in the METABOL-AR project we aim to employ currently the most advanced and sophisticated tool for investigating gastrointestinal nematodes metabolome – metabolomic MxP Quant 500 XL assay allowing to quantify over 1000 metabolites from over 30 chemical classes in the larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes. Larvae will be collected from various geographical and climatic regions of Europe so that an influence of various potential confounders (such as gastrointestinal nematodes species composition, temperature, and rainfall) on gastrointestinal nematodes metabolome can be precisely studied. A main goal will be to identify a set of metabolites significantly and independently linked to the presence of resistance to benzimidazoles. In the future quantification of these metabolites could serve as a simple, rapid and accurate method for diagnosing resistance to benzimidazoles in larvae isolated from fecal samples. This would provide an alternative for traditional in vitro and in vivo tests for resistance to benzimidazoles. To achieve this objective METABOL-AR team brings together 7 partners (research institutions) from 6 different countries representing different regions of Europe with different climate from humid subtropical and maritime to temperate continental. Additionally, the involvement of a private company as a subcontractor is assumed. Since the larvae will come from different countries the METABOL-AR will also provide a highly complex view of gastrointestinal nematodes species composition (referred to as nemabiome) and resistance to benzimidazoles prevalence and extent in various geographical and climatic regions of Europe.
The research objectives include:
a) determining the influence of geographical and climatic factors on larval metabolism,
b) identifying subtle differences in metabolomic profiles associated with changes in the species composition of gastrointestinal nematodes,
c) isolating a set of metabolites that enable precise differentiation between larvae susceptible and resistant to benzimidazoles,
d) obtaining data confirming that metabolomics can be a rapid and practical method for diagnosing anthelmintic resistance,
e) disseminating knowledge, implementing new methods, and conducting training on the diagnosis of anthelmintic resistance in countries where such techniques have not been previously applied,
f) collecting data on the prevalence of benzimidazole resistance in goat herds in regions where such information has so far been unavailable (Estonia, Latvia) or limited (Turkey),
g) gathering detailed data on the species composition and interactions of gastrointestinal nematode populations in goats across different climatic regions of Europe.
The results of the project will enable the development of a new diagnostic tool for detecting anthelmintic resistance at a very early stage of its development, using material that can be easily collected from animals in a non-invasive manner. This tool will be entirely based on the larval stages of parasites. The METABOL-AR project may make it possible to accurately diagnose drug resistance without the need for costly and labor-intensive in vivo or in vitro methods, as well as invasive sampling procedures. This approach will significantly reduce the number of animals required (by using pooled fecal samples and larval parasite stages), which may have a substantial positive impact on animal welfare.
Our research will also provide insights into new metabolic pathways associated with anthelmintic resistance and the adaptation of gastrointestinal nematodes to survive under different environmental and climatic conditions, indicating new directions for future research on gene expression related to these pathways in other groups of anthelmintic drugs as well
News
Training in Anthelmintic Resistance Diagnostics in Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Goats and Sheep
In recent months, partner teams of the METABOL-AR project participated in intensive training focused on the diagnostics of anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants using in vitro methods – the Egg Hatch Test (EHT) and Larval Development Test (LDT).
The training was conducted at the laboratory of the Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), leader of the project consortium. The sessions were delivered by Dr. Marcin Mickiewicz, the METABOL-AR consortium leader.
Research teams from the partner institutions took part in the training:
- Latvia University of Life Science and Technologies (LBTU), Latvia,
- Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMU), Estonia,
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa (IUC), Türkiye.
The workshop constituted an important milestone in the METABOL-AR project, supporting key objectives such as:
- dissemination of knowledge on anthelmintic resistance diagnostics,
- implementation of innovative laboratory methods,
- capacity building in countries where EHT and LDT techniques had not previously been applied.
The hands-on training equipped participants with the competencies required to implement standardized methods for detecting drug resistance in parasitic nematodes within their national laboratories and strengthened collaboration among project partners.
Presentation of the METABOL-AR Project at the 11th Annual Meeting of the Livestock Helminth Research Alliance, 19–20 November 2025, Brussels
The METABOL-AR project was presented during the 11th Annual Meeting of the Livestock Helminth Research Alliance (LHRA), held on 19–20 November 2025 in Brussels. The project was introduced by Dr. Marcin Mickiewicz, consortium leader, representing the Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW).
The event brought together experts, researchers, and representatives of institutions working on livestock helminths and the increasing challenge of anthelmintic resistance.
In his presentation, Dr. Mickiewicz outlined the aims, framework, and progress of the METABOL-AR project, including key activities related to the development and implementation of advanced diagnostic methods for detecting resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants. Participants learned about both methodological and practical aspects of the ongoing work, as well as the project’s upcoming milestones.
Participation in the LHRA meeting provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, dissemination of results, and strengthening collaboration with international research teams. The presence of METABOL-AR at this prestigious event, along with Dr. Mickiewicz’s presentation, highlights the project’s significance in global efforts to monitor and mitigate anthelmintic resistance in livestock.
Kick-off Meeting of the METABOL-AR Project
On September 19–20, 2025, the kick-off meeting of the METABOL-AR project took place at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW).
During the event, project partners had the opportunity to get to know each other, present their institutions, and exchange experiences related to the research topic. The meeting was rich in inspiring and productive discussions concerning planned activities, the project timeline, and opportunities for collaboration among research teams.
Through direct conversations and participant interactions, solid foundations were established for achieving the project’s objectives. The atmosphere of the meeting fostered trust and team integration, which are crucial for effective cooperation in the coming stages of the project.
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