Background: The complicated host-parasite relationships have hindered the effective diagnosis, treatment, and control of human parasitic diseases. This review examines how genomics and proteomics are unraveling these complex interactions and transforming human parasitology.
Materials & Methods: Related studies were chosen according to the PRISMA flow diagram. An extensive literature search between January 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023 was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and a systematic screening process was undertaken, resulting in the identification and inclusion of 72 studies in this narrative review on the applications of genomics and proteomics in human parasitology research. Articles that were duplicates, irrelevant based on title/abstract screening, unavailable, or irrelevant based on full text review were excluded from the study.
Findings: A total of 453 records were retrieved, of which 72 articles remained after title, abstract, and full text screening. Genomics and proteomics have elucidated parasite biology, enabled precision diagnostics, and guided drug development by providing molecular insights into host-parasite interactions. However, challenges remain, including computational complexity and translation of findings to human infections.
Conclusion: The integration of genomics and proteomics has allowed an unprecedented understanding of human parasites and holds great promise for improving diagnosis, treatment, and control.