Nanomedicines for the Treatment of Veterinary Parasitic Infections

Abstract

Negligence in treating veterinary parasitic infection (VPI) has caused 50% of livestock loss as per the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Only five major companies, including Zoetis, MSD AH, Elanco, Boehringer Ingelheim AH, and Bayer AH, are involved in animal anti-parasitic drug development. New drug discovery and development involve uncertainty and tremendous cost. Existing drugs against VPI are associated with drawbacks, including drug resistance, toxicity, non-specific delivery, non-adherence, non-compliance, unfavorable physicochemical properties, low bioavailability, and half-life. Nanotechnological intervention with an appropriate choice of excipients modulates the drug’s physicochemical properties. Moreover, it surpasses existing drawbacks, overcomes host (primary) and parasitic (secondary) cell barriers, stimulates primary defense mechanisms, and elicits long- acting and targeted delivery with reduced toxicity and enhanced efficacy. Furthermore, the nanoparticles overcome the P-glycoprotein receptors and drug resistance. This chapter elaborates on various nano-platform technologies, including liposomes, polymer- and lipid-based nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, and surface-conjugated nanoparticles loaded with natural/synthetic anti-parasitic drugs for treatment against VPI. Additionally, the nanovaccine targeting prominent Toll-like receptors (TLR) through TLR ligand and nanobodies has been succinctly elaborated. To conclude, careful consideration and future exploration are indispensable for nanomedicines against the treatment and prevention of VPI.