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Uptake of ciprofloxacin by macrophages

C S Easmon, J P Crane

    Journal of Clinical Pathology
    |April 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Ciprofloxacin rapidly concentrates in mouse macrophages, killing Staphylococcus aureus effectively. This antibiotic uptake is efficient even with dead cells and unaffected by pH or bacterial pre-ingestion.

    Area of Science:

    • Pharmacology
    • Microbiology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Macrophages play a crucial role in host defense against bacterial infections.
    • Understanding intracellular antibiotic activity is key to treating infections caused by intracellular pathogens.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the uptake and intracellular activity of ciprofloxacin in mouse peritoneal macrophages.
    • To determine the efficacy of ciprofloxacin against intracellular Staphylococcus aureus.

    Main Methods:

    • Primary mouse peritoneal macrophages were isolated.
    • Uptake of ciprofloxacin by macrophages was measured.
    • The effect of ciprofloxacin on intracellular Staphylococcus aureus was assessed under various conditions (pH, cell viability, bacterial pre-ingestion).

    Main Results:

    • Ciprofloxacin concentrated 2-3 times higher within macrophages compared to extracellular levels.
    • Macrophage uptake of ciprofloxacin was rapid and occurred with both live and dead cells.
    • Uptake was not influenced by changes in pH or prior ingestion of Staphylococcus aureus.
    • Extracellular ciprofloxacin concentrations as low as 0.5 mg/l effectively killed intracellular staphylococci.

    Conclusions:

    • Ciprofloxacin exhibits significant intracellular accumulation in macrophages.
    • The antibiotic demonstrates potent bactericidal activity against intracellular Staphylococcus aureus within macrophages.
    • These findings support the use of ciprofloxacin for treating infections involving intracellular bacteria residing in macrophages.

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