Pathogen- and Host-Directed Antileishmanial Effects Mediated by Polyhexanide (PHMB).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. CL causes enormous suffering in many countries worldwide. There is no licensed vaccine against CL, and the chemotherapy options show limited efficacy and high toxicity. Localization of the parasites inside host cells is a barrier to most standard chemo- and immune-based interventions. Hence, novel drugs, which are safe, effective and readily accessible to third-world countries and/or drug delivery technologies for effective CL treatments are desperately needed.

Methodology/principal findings

Here we evaluated the antileishmanial properties and delivery potential of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB; polyhexanide), a widely used antimicrobial and woun

SUBMITTER: Firdessa R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4592236 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature