Chapters authored
microRNAs: Are They Important in the Development of Resistance in Leishmaniasis?
Leishmaniasis is an infectious and parasitic disease of great importance in public health. Numerous studies indicate that biochemical and molecular mechanisms are factors that contribute to the emergence of antileishmanial drug resistance. Currently, miRNAs have been identified as targets for the invasion of pathogens to control the immune response and imply resistance to treatments. Considering the alarming growth in drug resistance, new possibilities for controlling leishmaniasis have been emerging. Natural compounds originating from medicinal plants are being increasingly explored as promising antileishmanial alternatives. The chapter aims to provide a brief review on mechanisms of action associated with traditional agents used to treat leishmaniasis, focusing mainly on molecular bases associated with the resistance of Leishmania spp. to current drugs and identifying the possible miRNAs involved in this process. In addition, we seek to describe some of the promising plant molecules that can be used as potential antileishmanial agents and their possible mechanisms of action.
Part of the book: Leishmaniasis
Feline Leishmaniasis: What Do We Know So Far?
Feline leishmaniasis has a nonspecific clinical condition, like the clinical signs presented by dogs, including anorexia, lymphadenomegaly, dermatitis, emaciation, hyperthermia and atrophy of the temporal muscle. Cats have been identified as an alternative reservoir; however, felines are increasingly sought after as companion animals, further exposing man. Diagnosis in these animals is still considered a challenge, since most cats are asymptomatic. Although infected cats are less often sick than dogs, likely due to natural feline resistance, clinical illness has been linked to immunosuppressive coinfections with feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus. The feline immune response to Leishmania infection has been poorly investigated. In cats, the same drugs prescribed for dogs are used in the treatment, namely pentavalent antimonials, allopurinol and miltefosine. Felines play an important role in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis, acting mainly as alternative reservoirs and accelerating the spread of the disease. Thus, there is a need for standardization of diagnostic and treatment methods, including thorough clinical evaluation. It is important to alert to the definition of public policies and to awaken feline owners, as well as the population in general, about care and prevention.
Part of the book: Leishmania Parasites