Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine-Based Strategies in Parasitic Infection [A Review Article]

Parasitic infections remain a major global health burden, particularly in low-resource settings, where conventional therapies face challenges such as toxicity, drug resistance, and limited efficacy. Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative approach, offering innovative solutions for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these diseases. Nanoparticles enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of drugs, while enabling targeted delivery and reducing side effects. In diagnostics, nanobiosensors and nanoparticle-based assays provide rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional techniques. Vaccine development has also benefited from nanotechnology, with nanocarriers improving antigen stability, immune responses, and delivery efficiency. Nanoparticles, such as metal, metal oxide, and polymeric particles, could lead to an effective method for treating some diseases. Applications span a wide range of parasitic diseases, including malaria, leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, human African trypanosomiasis, and Chagas disease, with promising outcomes in both experimental and clinical contexts. Despite significant progress, further research is required to address safety, cost, and large-scale implementation challenges.