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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #323494
Title: Genetic determinants of resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminants

Author
item BENEVIDES, MAGDA - Collaborator
item SONSTEGARD, TAD - Former ARS Employee
item Van Tassell, Curtis - Curt

Submitted to: Trends in Parasitology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/16/2016
Publication Date: 6/1/2016
Citation: Benevides, M., Sonstegard, T., Van Tassell, C.P. 2016. Genetic determinants of resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminants. Trends in Parasitology. 32(6):470-480.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Genetic markers for host resistance to gastrointestinal parasites have long been sought by the livestock industry as a way to select more resistant individuals, and alternatively, to help farmers with parasite control because high egg shedders will be removed from the flock and reduce parasite transmission. So far, polymorphisms related to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and interferon gamma (IFNG) have been the most frequently reported markers in the literature. However, a new picture now emerges from novel genome-wide association studies showing that not only acquired immune mechanisms are important. Genes related to the mucus protection of gastrointestinal mucosa and those related to hemostasis pathways are also important determinants of host resistance. These genes can be useful targets for selection purposes.