Biotechnological Approaches in Infectious Diseases

Infectious conditions have a significant influence on the occurrence of illness and death worldwide. The management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis (Organization WH, Initiative ST, Treatment of tuberculosis: guidelines. World Health Organization, Geneva, 2010), and malaria infection poses significant difficulties, as seen by the continuous spread of these illnesses and their high fatality rates. The utilization of nano-sized carriers for the formulation of new and existing drugs offers a potential solution to various obstacles encountered in the treatment of diseases. These challenges include limited effectiveness of drugs at the desired target, insufficient drug concentration in areas where microbes hide and persist, and poor patient compliance due to drug-induced toxicities and prolonged treatment schedules. In addition, nanocarriers may be utilized for the formulation of vaccinations, which serve as a significant tool in our battle against infectious illnesses. This chapter gives a comprehensive overview of the present impacts of infectious illnesses, focusing on the primary factors that lead to illness and death. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of nanotechnology to improve the existing therapeutic approaches. It also provides a quick outline of the recent advances and future directions that might increase nanotechnology’s worldwide impact.