Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology

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Rapid Communication - Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology (2025) Volume 9, Issue 2

Eukaryotic Pathogens: An Overview of Their Role in Human Disease

José Matthews*

Centre for Immunity, University of Edinburgh, UK

*Corresponding Author:
José Matthews
Centre for Immunity, University of Edinburgh, UK
E-mail: j.matthews@ed.ac.uk

Received: : 03-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. AAJIDMM- 25-163164; Editor assigned: 05-Mar-2025, PreQC No. AAJIDMM- 25-163164 (PQ); Reviewed: 11-Mar-2025, QC No. AAJIDMM- 25-163164; Revised:25-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. AAJIDMM- 25-163164 (R); Published: 31-Mar-2025, DOI:10.35841/10.35841/aajidmm-9.2.255

Citation: Citation: Matthews J. Eukaryotic Pathogens: An Overview of their role in human disease. 2025; 9(2):255

Abstract

  

Introduction

Eukaryotic pathogens, organisms that belong to the eukaryotic domain, are responsible for a wide range of human diseases. Unlike bacteria, which are prokaryotic, eukaryotic pathogens are more complex, often featuring multiple cellular organelles, including a defined nucleus. These pathogens include fungi, parasites, and certain protozoa, which can cause infections ranging from mild to life-threatening, depending on the pathogen and the host's immune status. [

Eukaryotic pathogens present a unique challenge to medicine due to their complexity and the difficulty in developing treatments that target them without harming the host's own cells. The rise of immunocompromised populations, including HIV/ AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients, and individuals undergoing chemotherapy, has further highlighted the growing importance of understanding eukaryotic pathogens and finding effective therapies. This article delves into the different types of eukaryotic pathogens, their mechanisms of pathogenesis, and the challenges they present in diagnosis, treatment, and control.[

Diagnosing infections caused by eukaryotic pathogens can be challenging due to the diversity of these organisms, their ability to present with overlapping symptoms, and the need for specialized diagnostic tests. In many cases, microscopy, culture techniques, and serological tests are employed for identification, but newer molecular methods such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and sequencing are increasingly being used for faster and more accurate diagnosis. [4].

Common antifungal treatments include fluconazole, amphotericin B, and voriconazole, but these drugs often come with significant side effects, and resistance is becoming more common. Drugs such as metronidazole (for Giardia), artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) (for malaria), and nitazoxanide are commonly used. However, drug resistance in protozoa, such as Plasmodium falciparum, has emerged as a significant issue. These include medications like albendazole, ivermectin, and praziquantel, which are used to treat helminth infections. Resistance to these drugs is relatively uncommon, but it can develop.[5, 6].

Just as with bacteria, eukaryotic pathogens can evolve resistance to antifungal, antiprotozoal, and anthelmintic drugs. Resistance to treatments, especially in parasitic infections like malaria, is becoming an increasing problem. Eukaryotic pathogens have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to evade host immune systems, including antigenic variation, immune suppression, and hiding within host tissues. [7, 8 ].

This makes it difficult for the body to mount an effective immune response and clears the infection. As human populations grow and move, and as global travel becomes more frequent, the spread of eukaryotic pathogens across borders has increased. Additionally, climate change is altering the distribution of vectors (e.g., mosquitoes and sandflies), leading to the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue, and leishmaniasis to new regions. There is an urgent need for effective vaccines for several eukaryotic diseases. While vaccines are available for some, such as the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis and the yellow fever vaccine, many parasitic and fungal diseases remain without vaccines. Development of new vaccines, particularly for diseases like malaria and leishmaniasis, remains a priority. [9, 10].

conclusion

Eukaryotic pathogens represent a significant and growing challenge in the field of infectious diseases. Fungi, parasites, and protozoa are capable of causing a wide array of illnesses, many of which are difficult to diagnose and treat. The rise of drug resistance, coupled with the complexities of immune evasion, presents hurdles in controlling these infections, particularly in vulnerable populations. Ongoing research into novel diagnostic methods, new treatments, and the development of vaccines offers hope for better management of eukaryotic infections. With global attention on emerging and re-emerging diseases, particularly in light of climate change and increased travel, addressing the threat of eukaryotic pathogens remains a key focus of global health initiatives.

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