LIPOSOME-ENCAPSULATED GENTAMICIN TREATMENT OF MYCOBACTERIUM-AVIUM-MYCOBACTERIUM-INTRACELLULARE COMPLEX BACTEREMIA IN AIDS PATIENTS

TLC G-65, a liposome-encapsulated gentamicin, was given intravenously twice weekly for 4 weeks to AIDS patients with Mycobacterium avium-M. intracellulare complex (MAC) bacteremia at 1.7 mg of gentamicin per kg of body weight per infusion (4 patients), 3.4 mg/kg (10 patients), an d 5.1 mg/kg (7 patients). MAC colony counts in blood fell by 75% or mo re in all three groups (P < 0.005). Drug resistance did not emerge dur ing the study period. Transient renal insufficiency developed in one p atient; no other adverse effects were detected. Liposome-encapsulated gentamicin is a potential therapy for MAC infections in AIDS patients.