Title:A Review on the Drug Delivery Strategies for Parasitic Infections: Scope
and Assertion
Volume: 12
Issue: 2
Author(s): Meenakshi Bhatia, Sunil Kumar, Archana Kapoor and Sunidhi Lohan*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmaceutics Division), Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, India
Keywords:
Antiparasitic drugs, parasitic infections, parasite, treatment, vaccines, zoonotic.
Abstract: Parasitic infections are prime causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Significant
progress has been made to cure these infections, such as discovering antiparasitic drugs, developing
new formulation strategies, site-directed drug delivery, chemotherapy, etc. Synthetic drugs are perilous
and have various side effects, leading to the development of drug resistance and loss of health.
Herbal medicines are economical and generally free from potential side effects; therefore, they are
acclaiming recognition. However, it is difficult to produce antiparasitic vaccines; major efforts have
been made and still, there are no licensed vaccines currently available to control human parasitic
ailments. This systematic review assesses various techniques for the treatment of parasitic infections.
Moreover, the advancements and challenges involved in establishing novel trends in the development
of more effective drug delivery systems are also investigated. Over the years, the incidences
of several infectious ailments in humans have enhanced and it is estimated to further increase
in the future. Over thirty new infective agents have been identified globally in the last 30
years; approximately 60 % of them are from zoonotic sources. Efficient drug delivery plays a key
role in treating parasitic infections. The main goal of the modern antiparasitic drug delivery system
is to minimize the potential side effects and deliver the drug directly to the target pathogens. Therefore,
more sophisticated drug formulations than a simple tablet or solution are necessary for the
treatment of many human parasitic diseases.