Current and emerging therapies for the treatment of leishmaniasis

Abstract

Introduction Leishmaniasis, a neglected protozoan illness caused by kinetoplastid pathogens encompasses three major clinical subtypes: visceral, cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Pentavalent antimonials (SbV) have long been the preferred treatment worldwide but increased drug resistance, and significant side effects, including cardiotoxicity have limited their use, particularly in visceral leishmaniasis in India. Similarly, other approved alternatives have concerns such as teratogenicity, high cost, and drug resistance.