Recent Advances in Medicinal Chemistry to Treat Filariasis and Helminthiasis.

Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori. It has been ranked as the second leading cause of long-term chronic disability world-wide. Around 856 million people from 52 countries worldwide are at risk by LF and seek prophylactic treatment to control the expansion. This disease affects the poorest populations who are living in areas with poor sanitation and housing, causing chronic manifestations such as hydrocele, lymphoedema and elephantiasis associated with impaired mobility and social activity, reduced work capacity, sexual dysfunction, severe psycho-social problems, stigma and bad marital prospects.