Selection of benzimidazole resistance in Ancylostoma ceylanicum in hamsters shows that the E198A substitution in the beta-tubulin isotype-1 gene is correlated with the resistance phenotype and also identifies a new F200L substitution

• Successful selection of an albendazole resistant hookworm strain. • Strong correlation between the SNP at codon 198 and drug resistance in hookworm. • Described for the first time, in hookworms, the presence of SNP A200L. Hookworms represent a serious problem for human and animal health in different parts of the world. One of the suggested control strategies for parasitosis caused by members of the Ancylostomatidae family is periodic mass treatment with benzimidazole compounds. This strategy has been proven to lead to the establishment of resistant strains in several nematodes related to SNPs at codons 167, 198 and 200 of the beta-tubulin isotype-1 gene. Through bioassay and in vivo analysis, we successfully isolated an albendazole-resistant A. ceylanicum strain by drug selective pressure. We observed a strong correlation between the presence of SNPs at codon 198 and resistance to treatment. We also described for the first time, in hookworms, the presence of SNP, A200L, already described at low frequencies in ruminant nematodes. The results presented here are important for updating the current knowledge about anthelmintic resistance in hookworms. The answers and the new questions raised may provide a basis for the establishment of more effective control strategies. Graphical Abstract .