Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis are challenges among neglected tropical
diseases. They usually affect marginal and poor populations and have the potential of
becoming lethal. Current treatment for both diseases is based on chemotherapy, with
the drug of choice being pentavalent antimonials for leishmaniasis, while for Chagas
disease the two nitro-heterocyclic drugs, Benznidazole and Nifurtimox are
recommended. The limited number, low efficacy, and side effects of conventional
anti-Leishmania and anti-Trypanosomal drugs and the resistance developed by
parasites are the major factors responsible for the growth in mortality rates. Currently
there is an urgent need to develop effective, safe, cost-effective drugs, and new
treatment schemes, as well as vaccines. As a result, international health organizations,
universities, foundations, and pharmaceutical corporations are working together to
support analysis and development of new strategies for controlling these diseases.
Keywords: Benznidazole, Chagas disease, Chemotherapy, Clinical trials, Drug
development, Drug repurposing, Drug resistance, Glucantime, Leishmaniasis,
Leishmania spp., Medicinal chemistry, Neglected disease, New pharmaceuticals,
New treatment schemes, Pentavalent antimonials, Pentostam, Side effects,
Treatment, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosomatids.
