Drug resistance in leishmaniasis: current drug-delivery systems and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Parasitology and Tropical Diseases
• Molecular Biology and Drug Resistance

Background:

• Leishmaniasis presents diverse clinical forms, from skin lesions to systemic infections.
• Pentavalent antimonials are the primary treatment but have toxicities and face widespread resistance.
• Drug resistance mechanisms include reduced uptake, increased efflux, and target modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review classical drug resistance mechanisms in leishmaniasis.
• To identify potential drug targets for novel therapies.
• To discuss current and future treatment strategies, including drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on leishmaniasis drug resistance.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying resistance.
• Examination of existing and emerging therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

• Classical antimonial therapies are increasingly ineffective due to resistance.
• Several molecular mechanisms contribute to drug resistance in Leishmania parasites.
• Novel drug targets and advanced drug delivery systems show promise.

Conclusions:

• There is an urgent need for new, effective, and less toxic leishmaniasis treatments.
• Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing next-generation therapies.
• Future research should focus on innovative drug targets and delivery systems to combat leishmaniasis.