Chapter 1 - Targeting the main responsible of human infections with nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

Infectious diseases cause around 20% of global mortality. Bacterial and viral infections stand among the top 10 global causes of death, including respiratory infections, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, dengue, and most recently severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The clinical approach to treat bacterial infections has been the use of antibiotics, whereas for viral infections the use of vaccines and specific drugs that reduce viral replication have been the most effective approaches, respectively. The overuse of antibiotics and antifungal compounds added to the natural evolution of microorganisms has opened a new era of multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi. The development and clinical trial of novel antimicrobial agents require many years and millions of dollars in research. During the last decade, the area of nanotechnology has evolved to produce innovative solutions for human problems. Here, we present an overview of the uses and applications of nanoparticles targeting the main responsible of human infections, particularly bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. The use of nanoparticles is considered as an alternative or complementary strategy to the clinical treatment of infections. The versatility and multifunctionality of nanoparticles make them ideal to treat, inhibit, and diagnose infections, especially emerging infectious agents that do not have a specific treatment or vaccine available.