Recent Advances and Challenges in the Development and Delivery of Antiprotozoal Agents Against Trichomoniasis

Abstract

Trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted parasitic infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, represents a significant public health concern with transboundary implications. In males, trichomoniasis is often asymptomatic, whereas in females, the infection is a common cause of vaginal discharge. It is connected with multiple adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes, damaging the health of millions of humans. This review describes the current treatment of T. vaginalis infection, including metronidazole (and its mechanism of action), tinidazole, and secnidazole. Here, we highlight the challenges to managing trichomoniasis, including mild or severe side effects of the drug and/or drug resistance. Furthermore, the review focuses also on drug repurposing and current promising drug targets. To emphasize the impact of nanocarriers on drug efficacy, we consolidated the published data on the activity of various drug delivery systems such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, nanocapsules, and others against T. vaginalis as well as Trichomonas gallinae and Trichomonas foetus. The present work explores the recent advances in the quest for antiprotozoal agents against trichomoniasis while delving into the challenges that persist in this endeavor.