Leishmaniasis: History, Evolution of Treatment and the Need for New Drugs

Leishmaniasis is defined as a cluster of infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. It is recognized worldwide as a major health problem, showing high endemicity in developing countries. The present review details this complex group of neglected diseases, with important clinical spectrum and large epidemiological diversity, and discusses the evolution of leishmaniasis treatment and the urgent need for less toxic, more specific and effective drugs against these parasites. Finally, the value of natural products and synthetic derivatives as rich sources of antileishmanial drug candidates is demonstrated, indicating a promising approach for the development of novel therapeutic alternatives.