Review Article - Journal of Parasitic Diseases: Diagnosis and Therapy (2024) Volume 9, Issue 3
Emerging Trends in Combating Drug-Resistant Leishmania: A Path Towards Effective Treatments
Leishmaniasis is a globally significant parasitic disease that poses a substantial threat to human health worldwide. The disease manifests in a spectrum of clinical presentations, ranging from cutaneous lesions to visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, which is fatal if left untreated. The emergence of drug-resistant Leishmania strains has further complicated disease management, necessitating the development of novel and effective therapeutic strategies. This review article discusses recent advances in the development of new therapies for leishmaniasis, specifically for drug-resistant strains. Targeted therapies, combination therapies, drug repurposing, nanoscale chemotherapeutics, and immunotherapeutic strategies are among the promising approaches that are being significantly investigated. These approaches have the potential to overcome the limitations of current treatments and improve patient outcomes. Vaccine development adds another critical dimension to the fight against this disease. Despite the recent advances, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed in the treatment of leishmaniasis, including drug resistance, lack of accurate diagnostic tools, and the complex nature of the disease. However, the ongoing research and development efforts offer hope for a future where leishmaniasis can be more effectively controlled and treated.
Author(s): Arshad Islam