Parasitic infections are a major global health issue
causing significant
mortality and morbidity. Despite substantial advances in the diagnostics
and treatment of these diseases, the currently available options fall
far short of expectations. From diagnosis and treatment to prevention
and control, nanotechnology-based techniques show promise as an alternative
approach. Nanoparticles can be designed with specific properties to
target parasites and deliver antiparasitic medications and vaccines.
Nanoparticles such as liposomes, nanosuspensions, polymer-based nanoparticles,
and solid lipid nanoparticles have been shown to overcome limitations
such as limited bioavailability, poor cellular permeability, nonspecific
distribution, and rapid drug elimination from the body. These nanoparticles
also serve as nanobiosensors for the early detection and treatment
of these diseases. This review aims to summarize the potential applications
of nanoparticles in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of parasitic
diseases such as leishmaniasis, malaria, and trypanosomiasis. It also
discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these applications and
their market values and highlights the need for further research in
this field.