Human and Animal Filariases: A Comprehensive Guide to Parasitic Infections

Human and Animal Filariases is a comprehensive guide to understanding and combating filarial parasites in humans and animals. This book provides a detailed overview of the current state of diagnosis and chemotherapy, as well as strategies for the discovery of novel drugs and alternative approaches to combat these parasites.

Understanding Filariases

Filariae are a family of parasitic worms that infect animals and humans, causing severe diseases such as elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis) and river blindness (onchocerciasis) in humans, as well as heartworm disease (dirofilariasis) in dogs and cats. These diseases are rarely fatal but can cause severe disfiguration and blindness, leading to a significant burden on healthcare systems in tropical countries.

Current State of Diagnosis and Chemotherapy

The book reviews the current state of diagnosis and chemotherapy for filariases, highlighting the challenges and limitations of available treatments. It also addresses the increasing resistance to antifilarial drugs, which has sparked a new push for the development of novel drugs.

Drug Discovery and Development

Human and Animal Filariases provides insights into strategies and approaches for the discovery of novel antifilarial drugs. It covers practical information on assay development, target validation, and required drug product profiles, making it a valuable resource for researchers and professionals in the pharmaceutical industry.

Alternative Approaches to Combat Filariases

The book also explores alternative and supplementary approaches to combat filariases, including vector control and vaccination. These approaches are critical for achieving the goal of eradicating these infections, as announced by the World Health Organization in 2017.

Expert Insights

Human and Animal Filariases features contributions from global experts from leading academic institutions, as well as professionals in the pharmaceutical industry and public health agencies. Their insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of filariases and the future directions for research and development.

This book is a unique reference for parasitologists, veterinarians, researchers, and professionals in the pharmaceutical industry and public health agencies. It offers a comprehensive approach that integrates current chemotherapy with recent advances in antifilarial drug discovery, providing practical information and insights for those working to combat these infections.