Biochemical and molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in parasites

Trop Med Int Health. 2001 Nov;6(11):874-82. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3156.2001.00777.x.

Abstract

Drug resistance is complicating the treatment of parasitic diseases. We review here the basic mechanisms of parasite resistance in malaria, sleeping sickness, leishmaniasis and common helminthiases. Parasites resort to multiple biochemical means to achieve resistance and we have begun to isolate and characterize the genes/proteins implicated in resistance. Understanding drug resistance is essential for the control of parasitic diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Resistance*
  • Helminthiasis / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis / drug therapy
  • Malaria / drug therapy
  • Parasitic Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trypanosomiasis, African / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Antiprotozoal Agents