Fighting Parasites During the Post-Antibiotic Era Publisher



Khayatan D^{1, 2} ; Razavi SM^{1, 2} ; Arab ZN^{1, 2} ; Nikkhoo S³ ; Khosroabadi N³ ; Behboodi N¹ ; Jamialahmadi T⁴ ; Momtaz S^{5, 6} ; Abdolghaffari AH^{1, 2} ; Sahebkar A^{4, 7, 8}
Source: Advances in Antiparasitic Therapies and Drug Delivery Published:2023

Abstract

Parasites are responsible for numerous diseases throughout the world. Parasitic diseases challenge the host immune system, whose competence may be a determining factor for disease severity. Several classes of antiparasitic drugs have been introduced, which act through different mechanisms. During the past few decades, antibiotic resistance has dramatically increased worldwide, and as a result, superbugs are ending the current era of antibiotic use. A high risk of poor clinical outcomes is usually associated with patients infected with drug-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, alternative therapies may be developed, or combinations of antibiotics may be used to lessen the incidence of developing resistance. In this light, it is crucial to investigate novel compounds that target parasitic mechanisms, like signal transduction, regulatory mechanisms, or virulence. Alternative therapies do not directly kill parasites by disrupting their pathogenesis; immune systems or antibiotics can effectively eradicate infections with attenuated virulence. The combination therapies and manipulation are considered promising alternatives to conventional treatments for parasitic infections. The development of new antibiotic classes and alternative therapies must be prioritized as we move toward a post-antibiotic era. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.