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Human antiprotozoal therapy: past, present, and future

M Khaw1, C B Panosian

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, UCLA School of Medicine 90024-1688, USA.

Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|July 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Human protozoal infections are common globally. This review covers historical, current, and future treatments for these diseases, focusing on drug resistance and toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Human protozoal infections are widespread globally.
  • Current antiprotozoal treatments largely originate from before the modern antibiotic era.
  • Recent years show increased interest due to global travel, drug resistance, and immunocompromised hosts.

Observation:

  • The development of new antiprotozoal agents has lagged behind other antimicrobial classes.
  • Protozoal infections pose significant challenges, particularly in specific patient populations.
  • Awareness of antiprotozoal drug resistance is growing.

Findings:

  • This review details past, present, and future therapeutic strategies for common human protozoal infections.
  • It examines the pharmacologic mechanisms of action and resistance for antiprotozoal drugs.
  • Common toxicities associated with these agents are also summarized.

Implications:

  • Understanding treatment evolution is crucial for managing protozoal diseases.
  • Knowledge of resistance mechanisms informs the development of novel therapies.
  • This review provides valuable insights for nonclinician readers on protozoal infection management.

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