Chapter 7 - Novel nanotechnology-based approaches in the treatment of leishmaniasis

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is an infectious parasitic disease caused by Leishmania. There are more than 21 species that cause human infections, and 12 million people worldwide are infected, and 1–2 million new cases occur every year. Infection is transmitted to humans through the bite of 30 species of female sandflies. The disease is mainly manifesting in three clinical forms: cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucosal leishmaniasis, and visceral leishmaniasis. Nowadays, various nanotechnology-based technologies and products have emerged as antileishmanial drugs, including liposomes, lipid nanocapsules, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanovaccines. Since, the therapeutic efficacy of existing drugs requires better adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion and reduced toxicity, nanotechnology is the best way to achieve this goal. As a promising therapeutic agent against leishmaniasis, nanoparticles have appeared in many new studies. This chapter discusses different nanotechnology materials, their efficacy in treatment of leishmaniasis, and their prospects.