Book Review - Journal of Parasitic Diseases: Diagnosis and Therapy (2025) Volume 10, Issue 2

Biomarkers for Parasitic Infections: Emerging Tools for Precision Diagnosis and Management

Luiz Carlos Ferreira^*

Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil

Corresponding Author:

Luiz Carlos Ferreira
Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
E-mail:lcferreira@usp.br

Received: 02-Apr-2024, Manuscript No. AAPDDT-25-166445; Editor assigned: 03-Apr-2024, AAPDDT-25-166445(PQ); Reviewed: 01-Apr-2024, QC No. AAPDDT-25-166445; Revised: 14-Apr-2024, Manuscript No. AAPDDT-25-166445 (R); Published: 22-Apr-2024, DOI:10.35841/2591-7846.10.2.223

Citation: Opiyo E. Zoonotic Parasites: A Cross-Species Public Health Challenge, J Parasit Dis Diagn Ther. 2025; 10(2):223

Introduction

Parasitic infections remain a major global health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Accurate and early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and control. Biomarkers—measurable indicators of biological processes—are gaining attention as powerful tools to enhance the detection, prognosis, and monitoring of parasitic diseases. This article explores current and emerging biomarkers in parasitic infections, discusses their diagnostic potential, and highlights future directions in biomarker research [1, 2, 3, 4].

Parasitic infections such as malaria, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, and filariasis affect billions worldwide. Traditional diagnostic methods—microscopy, serology, and PCR—face limitations in sensitivity, specificity, or feasibility in field settings. The identification of reliable biomarkers offers a promising alternative, capable of revolutionizing the way we diagnose and monitor parasitic diseases [5, 6, 7].

Understanding Biomarkers in Parasitology Biomarkers are broadly categorized into: • Diagnostic biomarkers: Detect the presence of infection. • Prognostic biomarkers: Predict disease outcome. • Predictive biomarkers: Forecast treatment response. • Monitoring biomarkers: Track disease progression or recovery. In parasitic diseases, these biomarkers can be derived from host responses (e.g., immune markers), parasite molecules (e.g., antigens, nucleic acids), or metabolic signatures [8, 9, 10].

Conclusion

Biomarkers are poised to transform the diagnosis and management of parasitic infections. As research advances, integrating these indicators into accessible, field-friendly diagnostics could drastically improve disease surveillance, treatment outcomes, and global health strategies.

References

Desmonts G, Couvreur J. Congenital toxoplasmosis: a prospective study of 378 pregnancies. N. Engl. J. Med. 1974;290(20):1110-6.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Valentini P, Annunziata ML, Angelone DF, et al. Role of spiramycin/cotrimoxazole association in the mother-to-child transmission of toxoplasmosis infection in pregnancy. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2009;28(3):297-300.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Freeman K, Salt A, Prusa A, et al. Association between congenital toxoplasmosis and parent-reported developmental outcomes, concerns, and impairments, in 3 year old children. BMC pediatrics. 2005;5(1):1-0.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Galal L, Hamidovic A, Darde ML, et al. Diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains at the global level and its determinants. Food and Waterborne Parasitology. 2019; 15:e00052.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Gilbert RE, Peckham CS. Congenital toxoplasmosis in the United Kingdom: to screen or not to screen?. J Med Screen. 2002;9(3):135-41.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Bornette G, Puijalon S. Response of aquatic plants to abiotic factors: a review. Aquat Sci. 2011;73(1):1-4.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref 

Vara Prasad MN, de Oliveira Freitas HM. Metal hyperaccumulation in plants: biodiversity prospecting for phytoremediation technology. Electron J Biotechnol. 2003;6(3):285-321.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref 

Raja S, Ramya I. A comprehensive review on Polygonum glabrum. Int J Phytomedic. 2017;8(4):457-67.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref 

Pal DK, Nimse SB. Little known uses of common aquatic plant, Hydrilla verticillata (Linn. f.) Royle.

Indexed at, Google Scholar

Singh A, Mishra A, Chaudhary R, et al. Role of herbal plants in prevention and treatment of parasitic diseases. J Sci Res. 2020;64:50-8.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref