In this population of CL patients displaying variable degrees of complexity and severity, almost two-thirds of patients could be initially managed without systemic therapy. Of these, 60 were cured before day 60. The WHO-recommended stepwise approach favoring initial local therapy therefore resulted in at least 44% of all patients being cured without exposure to the risk of systemic adverse events. Efforts are needed to further simplify local therapy of CL and to improve the management of patients with complex lesions and/or preexisting comorbidities.

Science and technology have always been the vitals of human’s struggle, utilized exclusively for the development of novel tools and products, ranging from micro- to nanosize. Nanotechnology has gained significant attention due to its extensive applications in biomedicine, particularly related to bio imaging and drug delivery. Various nanodevices and nanomaterials have been developed for the diagnosis and treatment of different diseases. Herein, we have described two primary aspects of the nanomedicine, i.e., in vivo imaging and drug delivery, highlighting the recent advancements and future explorations. Tremendous advancements in the nanotechnology tools for the imaging, particularly of the cancer cells, have recently been observed. Nanoparticles offer a suitable medium to carryout molecular level modifications including the site-specific imaging and targeting. Invention of radionuclides, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes and use of gold nanoparticles in biosensors have revolutionized the field of imaging, resulting in easy understanding of the pathophysiology of disease, improved ability to diagnose and enhanced therapeutic delivery. This high specificity and selectivity of the nanomedicine is important, and thus, the recent advancements in this field need to be understood for a better today and a more prosperous future.

Aim: In this study, the targeting of rifampicin (RIF)-loaded nanotransfersomes (NTs) incorporated in chitosan gel for leishmania-infected macrophages via the topical route was investigated. Materials & methods: NTs were prepared through a thin-film hydration process and incorporated into chitosan gel. Results: The mean particle size of the NTs was 190 nm, with 83% encapsulation efficiency. The permeation rate of the NTs was threefold higher than that of the RIF solution. The NTs improved cellular internalization via passive targeting, which was confirmed by macrophage uptake evaluation. A low IC50 value, flow cytometry analysis and in vivo study demonstrated the RIF-loaded NTs enhanced apoptosis and had better antileishmanial effects. Conclusion: RIF-loaded NT gel could be a fitting carrier for the delivery of antileishmanial drugs in cutaneous leishmaniasis.

No abstract