Stem cell therapy is not a direct cure for infectious parasitic diseases, but it offers promising adjunctive benefits in managing their complications. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), in particular, have shown immunomodulatory effects that can help regulate the host's inflammatory response triggered by parasites such as Leishmania, Schistosoma, and Toxoplasma. These cells can restore immune balance by suppressing excessive cytokine release and promoting anti-inflammatory pathways, which is crucial in chronic parasitic infections where tissue damage is driven by immune dysregulation. Additionally, stem cells contribute to tissue regeneration—repairing organs like the liver, brain, and intestines that are often compromised during parasitic invasion.

Emerging studies also suggest that stem cells may reduce parasite burden indirectly by enhancing the host’s defense mechanisms and improving the efficacy of antiparasitic drugs. For example, combining MSCs with conventional treatments like praziquantel or amphotericin B has shown improved outcomes in preclinical models. Moreover, stem cell-derived exosomes are being explored for their ability to deliver targeted immunoregulatory signals without the risks associated with live cell therapy. While clinical translation is still in early stages, the integration of stem cell strategies into parasitology could redefine how we approach chronic infections—shifting from pathogen eradication alone to holistic tissue recovery and immune recalibration..

Current research indicates that stem cells, particularly **mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), show promise in the treatment of infectious parasitic diseases. Studies have demonstrated that MSCs can reduce the prevalence of various parasitic infections, such as schistosomiasis, malaria, and leishmaniasis, by modulating the immune response and enhancing the efficacy of antiparasitic drugs.

While there is no definitive "cure" for all parasitic infections using stem cells, MSC therapy has been explored as a potential adjunctive treatment. For instance, MSCs have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that can help combat drug resistance in parasites

Additionally, research on stem cell-derived models has provided insights into host-parasite interactions, which could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.

However, the field is still emerging, and more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and effectiveness of stem cell therapies against specific parasitic infections. Current treatments primarily rely on traditional antiparasitic drugs, and stem cell applications are being investigated as complementary approaches rather than standalone cures

In summary, while stem cells offer potential in the fight against infectious parasites, they are not yet established as a definitive cure and are primarily being researched for their supportive roles in treatment.

Although stem cells by themselves cannot cure infectious parasites as of 2025, research on their usage as an adjuvant therapy shows encouraging outcomes. By regulating the host's immune response and mending organ damage, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being researched for their potential to combat parasite diseases such malaria, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease.