Advances in the Use of Nanoparticles as Anti-Cystic Echinococcosis Agents: A Review Article

Echinococcus granulosus is the etiological agent of cystic echinococcosis, which is globally distributed and considered as a neglected tropical disease. It is one of the most important zoonotic parasitic infections in both humans and animals. This parasite forms hydatid cysts in various organs of numerous hosts including humans. Surgery remains the predominant therapeutic modality, but other methods also play important role in this disease management. Several scolicidal agents are used for inactivation of the protoscoleces within the hydatid cyst during surgery because spillage of hydatid fluid is the major reason for recurrence. Till now, no effective and safe agent is available. Benzimidazole is the only chemical synthetic drug licensed for the treatment of this disease. Usage of this medication is limited owing to its poor water solubility and low bioavailability, as well as its severe adverse effects. As a result, there is a constant motivation toward exploring a novel alternative to prevent the recurrence rate of the disease and to overcome the side effects of synthetic therapy. The current review focuses on the recent efforts toward obtaining better scolicidal compounds including the achievements in the frontiers of Nanomedicine technique. This review highlights the result of newer therapeutic attempts such as, the introducing of biogenic selenium, silver, gold and chitosan nanoparticles as potential agents against cystic echinococcosis in addition to the applying of Nano-carriers drug delivery system that promises to further extend the treatment options.