Formulation and efficacy of liposome-encapsulated azithromycin for pulmonary infection due to Pseudomonias Aeruginosa

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis is the most common life-threatening autosomal recessive disorder in Caucasians. Recurrent pulmonary infection and inflammation are the major risk factors associated with cystic fibrosis. Microbial infection with highly resistant pathogens such as Burkholderia cenocepacia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is principally associated with cystic fibrosis. The effective management of pulmonary infection in cystic fibrosis patients is not controllable due to the multidrug-resistant strains and potential side effects of antibiotics usage. Liposomal encapsulation of macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin show increased drug concentrations at the site of infection, along with reduced toxic effects. In this thesis work, liposome-loaded azithromycin formulation was prepared by dehydration-rehydration vesicle method and related characterizations including cytotoxicity were identified. The effects of liposomal azithromycin on biofilm community, purified bacterial virulence factors were determined and motility studies were performed in clinical isolate of P. aeruginosa. We found that liposomal azithromycin reduced biofilm activity, virulence factors production and bacterial motility. The liposomal formulation confirmed interactions between liposomes and bacterial membranes besides insignificant hemolysis or A549 cell toxicity. The end results collectively indicate that liposomal drug delivery systems could be a promising model to enhance the efficacy of antibiotics against resistant bacterial strains in lung infections.