André L.S. Santos • Marta H. Branquinha
Claudia M. d’Avila-Levy • Lucimar F. Kneipp
Cátia L. Sodré
Editors

2014

The so-called neglected tropical diseases comprise a group of infections that is especially endemic in low-income population in developing countries of Africa, Asia and the Americas. In this group, the American ( Trypanosoma cruzi ) and African (Trypanosoma brucei complex) trypanosome species and microorganisms belonging to the Leishmania genus are the etiologic agents of major human and animal parasitic diseases worldwide, being responsible for large socio-economic losses, especially in developing countries. The effective treatment of diseases caused by trypanosomatids is still an open issue, nevertheless of paramount importance.