QUATERNARY N-(HALOMETHYL) AMMONIUM SALTS AS THERAPEUTIC AGENTS

The use of quaternary halogenated ammonium salts for treating leishmaniasis infections and other parasitic diseases is described. Although there have been previous reports in which quaternary ammonium salts are used as antimalarial, antifungal, and antileishmanial compounds, the use of such salts containing a halogenated N-methyl substituent as a therapeutic agent against leishmaniasis had not been reported. The compounds described here, in specific those with a terminal arylalkenyl or diarylalkenyl moiety, are shown to inhibit the growth of Leishmania panamensis parasites, a known causative agent of leishmaniasis disease. In addition, the series of compounds are also extensive against malaria, Chagas disease, toxoplasmosis, and other parasitic diseases.