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 .