Nanoparticles as Antituberculosis Drugs: A review

Abstract

The aim of the present review demonstrates the translational potential of
nanotechnology to address the various challenges associated with the management of
tuberculosis and improve current therapeutic strategies. Nanoparticles as a diagnostic tool
include highly sensitive nanoparticle test which can potentially address many of the
challenges outlined by the World Health Organization for the delivery of rapid and
effective point of care diagnostics. The search for pioneering therapeutic approaches based
on the use of new chemical compounds is gaining immense attention in modern therapy
because of the increasing drug resistance. Tuberculosis (TB) in humans has been described
since ancient times and its causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is widely
disseminated. The WHO estimates that approximately one-third of the global community is
infected with M. tuberculosis. Approximately one-third of the world population is infected
with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, resulting in more than eight million new cases and two
million deaths annually. Recent implementation of the World Health Organization's strategy
has been problematic, and TB remains a major burden in many developing countries.
Despite mass Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccination and the development of antitubercular drugs, tuberculosis still remains a major global public health problem. However
nanotechnology has provided a huge improvement to pharmacology through the designing
of drug delivery systems able to target phagocytic cells infected by intracellular pathogens,
such as mycobacteria. The increased therapeutic index of anti-mycobacterial drugs; the
reduction of dosing frequency; and the improvement of solubility of hydrophobic agents,
allowing the administration of higher doses, have been demonstrated in experimental
infections. Future research needs to include more comprehensive characterization, quality
control and identification of antituberculars of clinical exposure with regards to
composition and threshold. This review will shower the emerging vistas taken in this surge.