New Developments in Antiprotozoal Vaccines

The protozoas are important causitive agents of important diseases in humans and animals. Protozoal diseases are more common in developing countries with poor sanitation and hygiene. Although antiprotozoal therapy combined with preventive measures are effective against protozoas, these measures are not sufficient in many countries. Thus; studies for developing an effective antiprotozoal vaccine have been ongoing for more than 40 years. A small number of antiprotozoal vaccines are available today in some countries,and phase III vaccine trials are present for malaria, leishmaniasis and amebiasis. Development of new protozoal vaccines would be very helpful, especially in developing countries.