Development of Therapeutic Agents: Methods and Approaches in the Development of Vaccines Against Protozoan Parasites

Abstract

Parasitic infections make up a large percent of diseases in tropical countries and pose a significant threat to human health worldwide. Parasites are complex pathogens associated with chronic disease, high reinfection rates, and host immune depression. Furthermore, parasitic infections, unlike most viral and bacterial infections, are more complex and chronic, requiring special consideration when developing therapeutic agents. As this chapter will discuss, designing strategies against parasitic infections demands that scientists address the multifactorial aspects of special pathogens. The challenge in developing therapeutic agents against parasites lies in the nature of the parasites and their close relationship with both human immunity and anthropogenic activities.