Intracellular organisms

Abstract

The intracellular location of some microorganisms allow them to resist antibiotics with poor ability to penetrate eukaryotic cell membranes, such as the beta-lactam compounds. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of antibiotics within eukaryotic cells have been defined in the last two decades. Penetration but also subcellular localization of antibiotics within cells, as well as the possibility of their intracellular inactivation have to be considered. In vitro infected cell models have been useful to determine the activity of antibiotics against intracellular pathogens, although extrapolation of in vitro experimental data to the clinical situation remains hazardous. The pharmacokinetic properties and intracellular activity against a number of pathogens of the newer fluoroquinolone and macrolide compounds seems promising, but clinical data remain scarce.