Molecular analysis of the F167Y SNP in the β-tubulin gene by screening genotypes of two Ancylostoma caninum populations.

Mutations in the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene at codons 167 (F167Y), 198 (E198A) and 200 (F200Y) have been associated with benzimidazole resistance in helminths. The F200Y polymorphism has previously been described for Ancylostom caninum; however, the F167Y polymorphism has not been investigated in members of the Ancylostomatidae family. The aim of this study was to screen for the F167Y polymorphism in A. caninum isolates recovered from naturally infected dogs in two Brazilian states. No mutation was observed at codon 167 in the 230 analyzed samples from the two populations; however, it is possible that this change may be present at a low frequency in other populations of the same species. These results highlight the importance of monitoring the genetic basis involved in the drug resistance process.