Abstract

Parasite, Leishmania infantum, is the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar), a fatal disease, if remains untreated. As it is showing resistance to the currently available drugs, search for new drug targets is essential for novel drug discovery. In-silico analysis of complete genome of Leishmania infantum as well as comparison with human genome and genes available in database of essential gene resulted in identification of 40 genes of Leishmania infantum as potential drug targets. These genes code for proteins that are necessary for the survival of parasite and include Methyl transferase cell division protein, transporter proteins, ribonucleoside hydrolase, regulator proteins and proteins involved in pathogenesis. These genes and gene products are excellent targets for antileishmanial drugs.

Keywords: Antileishmanial drugs, Visceral leishmaniasis, Drug targets