Introduction/Overview Malaria remains a global health burden, with hundreds of millions of cases annually and significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in sub‑Saharan Africa and parts of Asia. Antimalarial chemotherapy constitutes the cornerstone of both prophylaxis and treatment strategies, and a nuanced understanding of the pharmacology of these agents is essential for practitioners in medicine and…
Introduction / Overview Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a global health challenge, necessitating sophisticated pharmacologic interventions to suppress viral replication and preserve immune function. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV from a fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition. The therapeutic strategy relies on multiple drug classes that target distinct stages of the viral life…
Introduction/Overview Antiviral chemotherapy encompasses the use of pharmacologic agents designed to inhibit viral replication, attenuate disease severity, and prevent transmission. These agents are pivotal in the management of acute viral infections, chronic viral diseases, and in prophylaxis for high-risk populations. The clinical relevance of antivirals has expanded markedly with the emergence of novel viral pathogens…
Introduction / Overview Fungal infections pose a significant therapeutic challenge, particularly in immunocompromised populations such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, patients with advanced malignancies, and individuals with prolonged neutropenia. Antifungal chemotherapy constitutes a critical component of modern infectious disease management, offering targeted eradication of pathogenic fungi while attempting to minimize host toxicity. Contemporary practice…
Introduction / Overview Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, remains a significant public health concern in many low‑income regions. The disease is caused by the slow‑growing, obligate intracellular bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which preferentially infects peripheral nerves and the skin. Multidrug therapy (MDT) constitutes the cornerstone of disease control, reducing transmission, preventing relapse, and mitigating the risk of…
Introduction / Overview Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, remains a public health challenge in many tropical and subtropical regions. The bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium leprae is unique in its slow replication and predilection for peripheral nerves and skin. Chemotherapeutic agents constitute the cornerstone of curative therapy, with multidrug regimens halting disease progression and preventing transmission….
Introduction/Overview Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low‑ and middle‑income regions. Effective antitubercular therapy is essential for curative treatment and for preventing the emergence of drug‑resistant strains. This chapter provides a detailed examination of the pharmacological properties of antitubercular agents, with an emphasis on first‑line drugs and their…
Introduction/Overview DNA and RNA synthesis inhibitors constitute a pivotal class of antitumor antibiotics that disrupt nucleic acid metabolism, thereby impeding cellular proliferation. Their therapeutic utility extends across a spectrum of malignancies, from solid tumors to hematologic cancers, and they are often employed in combination regimens to enhance efficacy and mitigate resistance. Understanding the nuanced pharmacology…
Introduction / Overview Protein synthesis inhibitors comprise a broad class of antimicrobial agents that impede bacterial translation by targeting ribosomal subunits. Their selective action on prokaryotic ribosomes underlies their therapeutic utility while generally sparing eukaryotic cells. Clinically, these antibiotics are pivotal in the management of respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, sexually transmitted…
Introduction/Overview Cell wall synthesis inhibitors constitute a pivotal class of antibacterial agents routinely employed in the treatment of a broad spectrum of bacterial infections. Their therapeutic success is founded on the essentiality of peptidoglycan synthesis for bacterial viability, a process absent in human cells, thereby affording a favorable therapeutic index. Clinically, these antibiotics are indispensable…