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Synthesis of Potential Agents to Combat the Neglected Tropical Disease Leishmaniasis
(University of Hawaiʻi — West Oʻahu, 2020-11) Bailey, Nicholas M.; Atanes, Alaina; Ashburn, Bradley O.
Leishmaniasis is an ongoing endemic that affects the lives of millions in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean. Leishmaniasis is notoriously labeled as both the second-largest parasitic killer and one of thirteen neglected tropical diseases. It is estimated that there are 70,000 deaths and 1.3 million new cases per year. Leishmaniasis is engendered by intracellular parasites that belong to the genus leishmania. These parasites are transmitted via the bite of a group of sand flies. Once infected, Leishmaniasis is manifested in one of three ways: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral. Symptoms are dependent on the specific form of leishmaniasis contracted. Symptoms can vary from skin lesions, cutaneous/mucosal ulcers, spleno- and hepatomegaly, and organ failure. Currently, there remains no vaccine and contemporary treatments have adverse side effects or are too expensive. Considering that many of these endemic countries are impoverished, it is vital that an innocuous and affordable alternative is found. Recent literature has ascertained the antiparasitic properties of the classification of molecules known as chalcones. This research seeks to synthesize various chalcones for future analysis for anti-leishmanial properties.