Infectious diseases caused by viruses, parasites, bacteria, and fungi are the number one
cause of death worldwide. In addition to treatment costs, the social and economic challenges
faced by governments, individuals, and families in managing these diseases and in preventing
epidemics present an enormous burden to society. Although new technologies have
improved diagnosis of infectious diseases, treatment remains a challenge. The ef fi cacy of all
known current anti-infective agents is threatened by the spread of drug-resistant forms of
the pathogens. Hence the need remains urgent to develop anti-infective agents that target
drug-resistant pathogens