Treatment options for visceral leishmaniasis

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2006 Apr;4(2):187-97. doi: 10.1586/14787210.4.2.187.

Abstract

This review summarizes the current developments in therapy for visceral leishmaniasis. With the recent introduction of new drugs, the main limits in reducing deaths from visceral leishmaniasis are difficulty in diagnosis in the field and health inequality--patients lack of access to treatment. No new drugs are currently in the early stages of development. There are good reasons for the use of combination therapy; to prevent further development of resistance against the limited therapeutic options available.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / economics
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Leishmania donovani / drug effects
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / drug therapy*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / economics
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents