Overcoming drug resistance for macro parasites
Mrigank Srivastava1,2, Shailja Misra-Bhattacharya1,2
1Division of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, UP, India.
Future Microbiology
|October 31, 2015
Summary
Anthelmintic drug resistance in parasites threatens human and livestock health. New drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, and genomic approaches are crucial to overcome resistance and eliminate parasitic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Drug Discovery
- Genomics
Background:
- Helminth infections significantly impact human and livestock health globally.
- Current control strategies rely heavily on mass drug administration of anthelmintics.
- Emerging anthelmintic drug resistance poses a major threat to disease control and elimination efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges posed by anthelmintic resistance in human and livestock populations.
- To propose strategies for overcoming drug resistance and ensuring effective parasite control.
- To highlight the need for novel tools and approaches in combating helminth infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on anthelmintic resistance.
- Analysis of current control strategies and their limitations.
- Exploration of potential new tools including drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics.
- Discussion of genomic approaches for identifying resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Anthelmintic resistance is a growing problem, jeopardizing current control programs.
- Development of novel drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics is essential.
- Genomic sequencing offers a pathway to identify resistance genes and develop targeted interventions.
- The use of model systems like Caenorhabditis elegans and chemical genetic screens can accelerate drug discovery.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming anthelmintic resistance requires a multi-faceted approach.
- Investment in research and development of new control tools is critical.
- Collaborative efforts are necessary to achieve a future free from parasitic infections.
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