Liposome loaded phage cocktail: Enhanced therapeutic potential in resolving Klebsiella pneumoniae mediated burn wound infections

Abstract

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the predominant pathogens in burn wound infections, and prevalence of multidrug resistant strains has further complicated the situation. An increased interest in phage therapy as a means of combating infection has been accruing in recent years. In order to overcome the drawbacks associated with phage therapy, the present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of liposomes as a delivery vehicle for phage in the treatment of burn wound infection.

Methods: Burn wound infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae B5055 was established in BALB/c mice. The therapeutic efficacy of free phage cocktail in comparison to liposome entrapped phage cocktail in resolving the course of burn wound infection in mice was evaluated.

Results: The results depicted that mice treated with liposomal entrapped phage cocktail showed higher reduction in bacterial load in blood and major organs. This was accompanied with faster resolution of the entire infection process as compared to non-liposomal free phage cocktail. The liposomes increased phage retention time in vivo thus potentiating efficacy. Liposomal phage preparation was able to protect all the test animals from death even when there was a delay of 24h in instituting the therapy.

Conclusion: The results showed the potential of liposome entrapped phage cocktail for treating Klebsiella pneumoniae mediated infections. Thus, this strategy can serve as an effective approach for treating Klebsiella mediated burn wound infections in individuals who do not respond to conventional antibiotic therapy.

Keywords: Bacteriophage; Burns; Infection; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Liposomes.