Nanomedicines as Drug Delivery Carriers of Anti-Tubercular Drugs: From Pathogenesis to Infection Control

Abstract

In spite of advances in tuberculosis (TB) chemotherapy, TB is still airborne deadly disorder as a major issue of health concern worldwide today. Extensive researches have been focused to develop novel drug delivery systems to shorten the lengthy therapy approaches, prevention of relapses, reducing dose-related toxicities and to rectify technologically related drawbacks of anti-tubercular drugs. Moreover, the rapid emergence of drug resistance, poor patient compliance due to negative therapeutic outcomes and intracellular survival of Mycobacterium highlighted to develop carrier with optimum effectiveness of the anti-tubercular drugs. This could be achieved by targeting and concentrating the drug on the infection reservoir of Mycobacterium. In this article, we briefly compiled the general aspects of Mycobacterium pathogenesis, disease treatment along with progressive updates in novel drug delivery carrier system to enhance therapeutic effects of drug and the high level of patient compliance. Recently developed several vaccines might be shortly available as reported by WHO.

Keywords: Clinical therapy; Tuberculosis; diagnosis; nanomedicine; pathogenesis; review..

Fig. (1)

Scanning electron microscopy of M. smegmatis showing cylindrical shape of Mycobacterium.

Fig. (2)

Schematic representation of complex Mtb cell wall composition on the right side and the site of action of anti-tubercular drugs like isoniazide (INH), ethambutol (ETB), pyrazinamide (PZA) and rifampicin (RIF) on the left side of the figure.

Fig. (3)

Presentation and processing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis or antigen by antigen presenting cells like alveolar macrophage cell (APC).

Fig. (4)

Major factors causing failure of tuberculosis treatment.

Fig. (5)

Common limitations of conventional formulation and advantages of novel drug delivery.