Enhanced liposome-mediated activity of piperacillin against staphylococci.

This study showed that encapsulation of the beta-lactam antibiotic piperacillin (PIP) by liposomes prepared with phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol (1:1) protected the drug from hydrolysis by staphylococcal beta-lactamase. This was demonstrated by growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of the liposomal preparation containing PIP at a 50% MIC. Growth inhibition was also seen when exogenous beta-lactamase was added. Furthermore, adsorption of PIP onto the surface of liposomes containing buffer conferred a significant degree of protection against enzymatic hydrolysis of the drug, thus enhancing its antistaphylococcal activity.