Killing the dead: chemotherapeutic strategies against free-living cyst-forming protists (Acanthamoeba sp and Balamuthia mandrillaris)
Document Type
Article
Department
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Abstract
© 2013 The Author(s) Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology © 2013 International Society of Protistologists.The opportunist free-living protists such as Acanthamoeba spp. and Balamuthia mandrillaris have become a serious threat to human life. As most available drugs target functional aspects of pathogens, the ability of free-living protists to transform into metabolically inactive cyst forms presents a challenge in treatment. It is hoped, that the development of broad spectrum antiprotist agents acting against multiple cyst-forming protists to provide target-directed inhibition will offer a viable drug strategy in the treatment of these rare infections. Here, we present a comprehensive report on upcoming drug targets, with emphasis on cyst wall biosynthesis along with the related biochemistry of encystment pathways, as we strive to bring ourselves a step closer to being able to combat these deadly diseases.
Publication (Name of Journal)
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
Recommended Citation
Siddiqui, R.,
Aqeel, Y.,
Khan, N. A.
(2013). Killing the dead: chemotherapeutic strategies against free-living cyst-forming protists (Acanthamoeba sp and Balamuthia mandrillaris). The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, 60(3), 291-297.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_bbs/542