Delivery systems to increase the selectivity of antibiotics in phagocytic cells

J Control Release. 2008 Feb 11;125(3):210-27. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2007.10.027. Epub 2007 Nov 12.

Abstract

Many infectious diseases are caused by facultative organisms that are able to survive in phagocytic cells. The intracellular location of these microorganisms protects them from the host defence systems and from some antibiotics with poor penetration into phagocytic cells. One strategy used to improve the penetration of antibiotics into phagocytic cells is the use of carrier systems that deliver these drugs directly to the target cell. Delivery systems such as liposomes, micro/nanoparticles, lipid systems, conjugates, and biological carriers such as erythrocyte ghosts may contribute to increasing the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics and antifungal agents in the treatment of infections caused by intracellular microorganisms. The main objective of this review is to analyze recent advances and current perspectives in the use of antibiotic delivery systems in the treatment of intracellular infections such as mycobacterial infections, brucellosis, salmonellosis, listeriosis, fungal infections, visceral leishmaniasis, and HIV.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / classification
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Infections / classification
  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Drug Delivery Systems / trends*
  • Models, Biological
  • Phagocytes / drug effects*
  • Phagocytes / physiology
  • Phagocytosis

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents