(341) Liposome-Encapsulated Bacteriophage Therapy for Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium abscessus

Introduction: Mycobacterium abscessus (Mabs) can cause pulmonary infections that are associated with increased mortality in individuals with lung diseases or weakened immune responses [1]. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is being investigated as a compassionate-use treatment option for multi-drug resistant Mabs infection [2]. However, Mabs can persist both intracellularly and extracellularly, and phages do not readily cross the cellular membrane [3]. We hypothesize that liposome carrying phages may assist with macrophage uptake while also increasing their stability, tissue penetration, and retention.