Antiparasitic Chemotherapy and Drug Resistance

Antiparasitic Chemotherapy and Drug Resistance is a critical, advanced topic for tertiary students in pharmacology, medicine, and parasitology in Zambia. This module provides a systematic overview of the major classes of antiparasitic drugs, their mechanisms of action, clinical uses, and adverse effects. It covers anthelmintics (benzimidazoles like albendazole, ivermectin, praziquantel), antiprotozoals (artemisinin-based combination therapies for malaria, nitroimidazoles for amoebiasis and giardiasis, eflornithine for HAT), and antifungal agents for opportunistic infections. A major focus is on the molecular and epidemiological mechanisms of drug resistance, particularly artemisinin and partner drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum, and praziquantel tolerance in schistosomes. Students will learn about strategies to combat resistance, including combination therapy, drug cycling, and pharmacovigilance. Understanding this topic is paramount for rational prescribing, ensuring treatment efficacy, and contributing to the sustainability of national malaria and helminth control programs in Zambia. It is essential knowledge for clinical practice, public health policy, and parasitology examinations.