antibioticsbooks

Antiparasitic Drugs
40
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Introduction to Antiparasitic Drugs
There is a tremendously unequal variation in the
human burden of parasitic disease, based on geography,
industrialization/hygiene, and immune status.
It is estimated that up to half of the world’s
population is chronically infected with parasites.
The extent of parasite-related morbidity and mortality
depends on parasite burden, preexisting
immunity, and patient comorbidities. We focus on
parasitic diseases primarily affecting inhabitants
of industrialized nations. Parasites causing human
disease can be broadly grouped into two main categories,
the unicellular protozoa and the multicellular
helminthes ( Table 40–1 ). The protozoa have
many subgroups, but we present them as primarily
intestinal or primarily extraintestinal pathogens.
The helminthes are subdivided into nematodes
(roundworms), trematodes (flukes), and cestodes
(tapeworms). Examples of common pathogens
for each group are given along with some of the
agents used in their treatment. Although not technically
considered parasites, two other organisms
that are susceptible to antiparasitic drugs also
are addressed: Pneumocystis jirovecii (technically
a fungus) and Sarcoptes scabei (the scabies mite,
technically an Arachnid).