Journal of Parasitic Diseases: Diagnosis and Therapy

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Perspective - Journal of Parasitic Diseases: Diagnosis and Therapy (2025) Volume 10, Issue 3

Advances and Challenges in Antiparasitic Drug Therapy: A Global Perspective on Efficacy, Resistance, and Innovation

Ayesha Khan*

Department of Parasitology, University of Karachi, Pakistan

Corresponding Author:
Ayesha Khan
Department of Parasitology,
University of Karachi,
Pakistan
E-mail: ayesha.khan@uok.edu.pk

Received: 02-Aug-2025, Manuscript No. AAPDDT-25-166520; Editor assigned: 03-Aug-2025, AAPDDT-25-166520 (PQ); Reviewed: 17-Aug-2025, QC No. AAPDDT-25-166520; Revised: 22-Aug-2025, Manuscript No. AAPDDT-25-166520 (R); Published: 30-Aug-2025, DOI:10.35841/2591-7846.10.3.226

Citation: Khan A. Advances and Challenges in Antiparasitic Drug Therapy: A Global Perspective on Efficacy, Resistance, and Innovation, J Parasit Dis Diagn Ther. 2025; 10(3):226

Introduction

Parasitic diseases, caused by protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites, affect over one billion people globally. Diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, and trypanosomiasis are among the most prevalent. Despite global control programs, drug therapy remains the most practical approach to treatment. This article aims to examine the landscape of antiparasitic drug therapy, highlighting its evolution, challenges, and future directions. Parasitic infections continue to pose a significant global health burden, particularly in developing countries. Antiparasitic drug therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment and control of these infections. However, increasing drug resistance, limited therapeutic options, and slow progress in new drug development present critical challenges. This article provides a comprehensive review of current antiparasitic therapies, mechanisms of action, emerging resistance patterns, and ongoing research into novel therapeutic strategies. It also emphasizes the importance of integrated approaches, including drug repurposing, natural product exploration, and targeted delivery systems to improve therapeutic outcomes [1, 2, 3, 4].

Classification of Antiparasitic Drugs Antiparasitic drugs are typically classified into the following categories: Antiprotozoals: Chloroquine, Artemisinin, Metronidazole, Nitazoxanide Anthelmintics: Albendazole, Mebendazole, Praziquantel, Ivermectin Ectoparasiticides: Permethrin, Ivermectin (topical), Malathion Each class targets specific parasites or life stages, utilizing mechanisms like inhibiting DNA replication, disrupting metabolic pathways, or paralyzing neuromuscular systems. Mechanisms of Action Understanding drug mechanisms is key to optimizing therapy and combating resistance [5, 6].

Artemisinin: Generates free radicals causing parasite protein damage (malaria) Albendazole: Binds to β-tubulin, inhibiting microtubule formation (helminths) Ivermectin: Binds glutamate-gated chloride channels, causing paralysis (roundworms) Nitazoxanide: Interferes with anaerobic energy metabolism (protozoa) Emerging Drug Resistance Resistance to antiparasitic drugs is a growing global concern [7, 8, 9, 10].

Conclusion

Antiparasitic drug therapy is undergoing a transformation, driven by urgent clinical needs and scientific advancements. A multidisciplinary approach that integrates pharmacology, molecular biology, and public health strategies is essential to develop effective, sustainable treatments for parasitic diseases. Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemisinin derivatives Trypanosoma brucei resistance to pentamidine and melarsoprol Helminth resistance to benzimidazoles in livestock and increasingly in humans Resistance is driven by drug misuse, poor sanitation, and lack of novel drugs.

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