Recent Developments in search of Antifilarial Agents

Abstract

Filariasis, caused by spirunid nematodes, is one of the most prevalent diseases of tropical and subtropical countries and encompasses a number of different pathological conditions. The most common type of filariasis is a lymphatic filariasis caused by parasite that live in human lymph system. Like malaria it is also caused by mosquito biting. Life cycle, pathogenesis and diagnosis of filariasis have been briefly reviewed. Different strategies being applied to control this disease has been discussed with major emphasis on the mechanism merits and demerits of the existing drugs and the drugs under pipeline. New antifilarial prototypes discovered recently and the future perspective the desease have also been elucidated.