Nanoparticle-mediated magnetic hyperthermia is an effective method for killing the human-infective protozoan parasite Leishmania mexicana in vitro.

ABSTRACT: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease characterized by disfiguring skin lesions. Current chemotherapeutic options depend on toxic, expensive drugs that are both difficult to administer and becoming less effective due to increasing levels of resistance. In comparison, thermotherapy displays greater patient compliance and less adverse systemic effects, but there are still significant issues associated with this. The procedure is painful, requiring local anaesthetic, and is less effective against large lesions. Using nanoparticles to controllably generate heat in a localized manner may provide an alternative solution. Here we evaluate magnetic hyperthermia, using iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles, as a localized, heat-based method to kill the human-infective parasite in vitr

SUBMITTER: Berry SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6355871 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature