Mechanism of action of drugs with activity against multicellular parasites

Parasiticides have been the most valuable weapons to combat parasites for almost half a century, constituting more than 50 % of veterinary pharmaceuticals and a good part of the products destined for human health. However, in many parts of the world, parasites develop resistance to these drugs, and it is now a major health problem. One way to avoid this inconvenience is the in-depth knowledge of its mechanisms of action, which will allow a more appropriate use. This work is a review of the different physiological aspects of parasite species and an explanation of the different mechanisms of action of antiparasitic agents. Once these drugs are ingested or absorbed by parasites the agents come into contact with the parasites structures, and according to the drug's properties it will define the antiparasitic activity either by altering tegument, carbohydrates, protein and lipid metabolism, or motility of the multicellular parasites.

Fil: Giordani, C.. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina

Fil: Marin, Gustavo Horacio. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Fil: Perez, D.. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina

Fil: Soraci, Alejandro Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; Argentina

Fil: Errecalde, J.. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentina