The Role of Metallic Nanoparticles in the Prevention and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases in Poultry

Abstract

The development of nanotechnology for the treatment of parasitic diseases is still in its infancy. However, it is expected that this new field can provide a solution to parasitic diseases and compensate for the lack of vaccines to prevent them. It can also provide new treatment options for parasitic diseases resistant to current treatments. Nanomaterials have been developed for antibacterial and anticancer therapies. However, it is important to determine their antiparasitic potential due to the wide variety of their physicochemical properties. When designing metallic nanoparticles (MeNPs) and specialized nanosystems like MeNPs encapsulated within a drug shell, it is essential to consider several key physicochemical properties. Shape, size, surface charge, and type of surfactant control are some of these physicochemical properties. In addition to interacting with parasite cells’ target molecules, shell molecules are also important. By developing antiparasitic drugs using nanotechnology and nanomaterials for diagnostics, new and effective methods of treatment and diagnostic tools for poultry diseases are expected to be available in the future to enhance poultry disease prevention and reduce morbidity and mortality rates.