Title:Metallic Nanoparticles: A New Frontier in the Fight Against Leishmaniasis
Volume: 29
Issue: 26
Author(s): Rhanoica Oliveira Guerra, José Rodrigues do Carmo Neto, Tarcísio de Albuquerque Martins, Thaís Soares Farnesi de-Assunção, Virmondes Rodrigues Junior, Carlo José Freire de Oliveira, Anielle Christine Almeida Silva and Marcos Vinicius da Silva*
Affiliation:
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences
of Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Keywords:
Leishmaniasis, nanoparticle, nanotheranostics, metallic nanoparticles, neglected diseases, treatment.
Abstract: Leishmaniasis, a cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral parasitic disease
caused by the protozoa of the genus Leishmania, is responsible for approximately 20-40
thousand deaths annually, with Brazil, India, and certain countries in Africa being the
most affected. In addition to the parasite’s ability to evade the host’s immune system, the
incidence of vectors, genetics of different hosts, and several deaths are attributed to the
limited conventional treatments that have high toxicity, low effectiveness, and prolonged
therapeutic regimens. Thus, the development of new alternative therapeutic strategies remains
warranted. Metallic nanoparticles, such as gold, silver, zinc oxide, and titanium
dioxide, have shown promising therapeutic tools since they are easily prepared and chemically
modified, have a broad spectrum of action and low toxicity, and can generate reactive
oxygen species and other immune responses. This review explores the progress of
the use of metallic nanoparticles as new tools in the treatment of leishmaniasis and discusses
the gaps in knowledge hindering the development of a safe and effective therapeutic
intervention against these infections.
