Anti-parasitic Applications of Nanoparticles: A Review.

Parasites are known to cause diseases of acute, chronic and debilitating nature. The control of parasites and their vectors is one of the most prioritized tasks in the rearing of animals. In the face of rising resistance and limited options of chemical control for parasites, the alternative ways to prevent them become pivotal. The use of nanoparticles for control of parasitic diseases has shown great promise at the laboratory scale. Research has been directed to come up with different nano-based preparations, having different structural and functional characteristics. Green nanomaterials have proved to be more eco-friendly, safer, less toxigenic and effective alternatives to routinely used anti-parasitic agents. This review provides a quick inventory regarding nanoparticle use against parasites. Moreover, the areas for future research and development have been highlighted to encourage the application of nanoparticles with known safety and efficacy at commercial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]