A Review on the Drug Delivery Strategies for Parasitic Infections: Scope and Assertion

Abstract

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 peri-lous 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 infec-tions. Moreover, the advancements and challenges involved in establishing novel trends in the de-velopment of more effective drug delivery systems are also investigated. Over the years, the inci-dences of several infectious ailments in humans have enhanced and it is estimated to further in-crease 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. There-fore, more sophisticated drug formulations than a simple tablet or solution are necessary for the treatment of many human parasitic diseases.