The assessment of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ß-tubulin genes in human soil-transmitted helminths exposed to different pressure with benzimidazole drugs
Authors: Levecke Bruno , Rashwan Nour , Cools Piet , Albonico Marco , Ame Shaali M , Ayana Mio , Dana Daniel , Keiser Jennifer , Montresor Antonio , Mekonnen Zeleke , Roose Sara , Sayasone Somphou , Vercruysse Jozef , Verweij Jaco J , Vlaminck Johnny , Prichard Roger 
Published: June 2024

Background

We aimed to gain insights into the role of known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in codons 167, 198 and 200 of the ß-tubulin gene as markers for possible benzimidazole resistance in human soil-transmitted helminths (STHs;Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura,Necator americanusandAncylostsoma duodenale).

Methods

Firstly, we determined the analytical performance of our PCR/pyrosequencing assays. Secondly, we applied them on stool samples collected during clinical trials in Ethiopia, Lao PDR, and Pemba Island (Tanzania) to assess any associations between the presence/ratio of mutant (MT): wild type (WT) SNPs and drug pressure history, individual drug response and time of sampling (baselinevs.follow-up sample).

Principal findings

Overall, the limit of blank of our in-house PCR/pyrosequencing assays to detect MT SNPs was non-zero (∼3.5%), and hence the limit of detection for MT SNPs was relatively high (2% – 7%). The assays systematically overestimated the true underlying ratio of MT:WT SNPS within sample, but we derived functions for more accurate estimates. The assays were more precise when the ratio MT:WT SNPs was high (>5%). No PCR amplicon was observed in 25% of the samples subjected to PCR. In the remaining samples, the presence of MT SNPs in codon 200 was detected in half of the analysedTrichurissamples, the proportion of the analysed samples containing MT SNPs did not exceed 14% for all other codons and STH species. Associations between drug pressure history, individual drug response and time of sampling, were not consistent across all codons and STHs.

Conclusion

We could not provide compelling evidence for the role of the known SNPs in the ß-tubulin gene as markers for benzimidazole resistance. Our study also highlights that there is a need to assess the diagnostic performance of any assays in order to readily interpret and compare results. Further research should therefore also focus on genes other than the ß-tubulin genes.

Author summary

Although large-sale deworming programs are reducing the morbidity caused by intestinal worms, widespread treatment of large populations for a long period of time may trigger drug resistance. An early detection of DNA mutations that may give rise to resistant worm population is therefore important. We evaluated the analytical performance of in-house assays to detect DNA mutations that are known to cause resistant intestinal worms of animals. Subsequently, we applied these assays on stool samples to verify (i) whether the mutations are more prevalent in areas were large proportions of children have been dewormed for a longer period, (ii) a poor individual drug response can be explained by higher frequency of the mutations. Our results indicate that comprehensive evaluation of the analytical performance of the genotyping tests was required to readily interpret the results. We did not find any compelling evidence that the presence of mutations was associated with either drug pressure or poor individual drug responses. This suggests that it is warranted to explore other mutations than those documented in animal worms.