Current and future perspectives on the chemotherapy of the parasitic protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis and Entamoeba histolytica

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis and Entamoeba histolytica are clinically important protozoa that affect humans. T. vaginalis produces sexually transmitted infections and E. histolytica is the causative agent of amebic dysentery. Metronidazole, a compound first used to treat T. vaginalis in 1959, is still the main drug used worldwide to treat these pathogens. It is essential to find new biochemical differences in these organisms that could be exploited to develop new antiprotozoal chemotherapeutics. Recent findings associated with T. vaginalis and E. histolytica biochemistry and host-pathogen interactions are surveyed. Knowledge concerning the biochemistry of these parasites is serving to form the foundation for the development of new approaches to control these important human pathogens.