Liposome-encapsulated-gentamicin therapy of Mycobacterium avium complex infection in beige mice

The efficacy of liposome-encapsulated gentamicin and free gentamicin was evaluated with the beige (C57BL/6J-bgj/bgj) mouse model of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection. Approximately 10(7) viable M. avium complex cells were given intravenously. Seven days later, treatment with either encapsulated or free gentamicin at 20 mg/kg of body weight was started. Treatment was given daily for 5 consecutive days or twice weekly for 3 weeks. The mice were sacrificed 5 days after the last dose. Spleens, livers, and lungs were homogenized, and viable cell counts were determined. An analysis of variance and subsequent Tukey honestly significant difference tests indicated that both encapsulated and free gentamicin reduced viable cell counts in each of the organs compared with no treatment. Encapsulated gentamicin significantly reduced viable cell counts in the spleen and liver compared with the free gentamicin. A dose-response experiment was performed with a daily dose of 0.2, 2, or 20 mg/kg. Dose-related reductions in viable cell counts were observed for spleens and livers, although none of the regimens resulted in sterilization of these organs. Liposome-encapsulated gentamicin should be considered for further evaluation in the treatment of M. avium complex infection in humans.