Use of liposomized tetracycline in elimination of Wolbachia endobacterium of human lymphatic filariid Brugia malayi in a rodent model

Wolbachia bacteria, being filarial parasite symbiont have been implicated in a variety of roles, including development, fecundity and the pathogenesis of the filarial infections. Among various strategies used in the treatment of experimental filariasis, the elimination of symbiont Wolbachia seem to offer an efficient means of curing the disease. The antiwolbachial property of tetracycline has been well worked out; however, treatment needs to be continued for a prolonged period of time to achieve complete elimination of Wolbachia from the filarial parasites and their subsequent killing. This results in acute toxicity, thus limiting its practical utility for clinical implementation. In order to increase efficacy of the antibiotic with minimal toxic manifestations, we developed liposomized formulation of the tetracycline. The liposomized tetracycline was found to be significantly more effective when compared to the free form of the drug. In contrast to the 90/120 days oral administration of the drug, the treatment schedule using the liposomized form of the drug was reduced to 12 alternate days with better efficacy of the treatment.