Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Anti-virulent Disruption of Pathogenic Biofilms using Engineered Quorum-quenching Lactonases
Published on: January 1, 2016
Quinolones in intracellular infections
1Département de Génétique et Microbiologie, Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Intracellular parasites are those which spend most of their lives within host cells. The fluoroquinolones demonstrate favourable intracellular pharmacokinetics for the treatment of intracellular infections; these agents diffuse and accumulate in the phagocytes, mainly in the cytosol, and do not associate with cellular organelles. The fluoroquinolones are generally active against Salmonella spp. in vitro, and have been used successfully in the treatment of typhoid fever, Salmonella bacteraemia in patients with AIDS, and chronic enteric carriage. Fluoroquinolone monotherapy has also been found satisfactory in the treatment of tularaemia and Mediterranean spotted fever. Quinolones, alone or in combination with other agents, have also shown promise in animal models of legionellosis and in limited clinical studies. Quinolones, particularly ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin, have notable antimycobacterial activity. Both agents have been used in combination with other antimycobacterial drugs in the treatment of infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. avium-intracellulare complex, rapidly growing mycobacteria and M. leprae, and deserve consideration as part of a multi-drug regimen in otherwise untreatable mycobacterial infections. Clinical data regarding fluoroquinolone monotherapy in brucellosis indicate unacceptable failure rates which preclude the use of these agents in this indication. The quinolones have some efficacy in genital chlamydial infections, but may have limitations in this indication also. In conclusion, as a result of the in vitro activity of the quinolones and their favourable pharmacokinetics, these agents are now an important part of the armamentarium against intracellular infections.
Insights
Fluoroquinolones are effective against many intracellular infections due to their favorable pharmacokinetics and in vitro activity. They are valuable in treating infections like typhoid fever and certain mycobacterial diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Intracellular parasites reside within host cells, posing treatment challenges.
- Fluoroquinolones exhibit favorable intracellular pharmacokinetics, accumulating in phagocytes.
- These properties make them suitable for targeting intracellular pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of fluoroquinolones in treating various intracellular infections.
- To highlight their pharmacokinetic advantages for intracellular pathogens.
- To assess their role in treating bacterial and mycobacterial infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on fluoroquinolone use in intracellular infections.
- Analysis of in vitro activity and clinical outcomes.
- Evaluation of pharmacokinetic data, particularly intracellular accumulation.
Main Results:
- Fluoroquinolones show efficacy against Salmonella spp., tularaemia, and Mediterranean spotted fever.
- They demonstrate significant antimycobacterial activity, useful in combination therapy for tuberculosis and leprosy.
- Monotherapy in brucellosis and chlamydial infections shows limitations.
Conclusions:
- Fluoroquinolones are crucial for treating intracellular infections due to their activity and pharmacokinetics.
- They are effective against a range of pathogens including Salmonella and mycobacteria.
- Careful consideration of specific indications like brucellosis is necessary.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Signaling
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
Inhibitors of Bacterial Protein Synthesis
Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Synthesis

