Joseph L. Mathew
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, India
Title: Diagnosis of tuberculosis in children: Challenges and Opportunities
Biography
Biography: Joseph L. Mathew
Abstract
Inhalational antibiotic therapy is an attractive option for specific respiratory conditions. An ideal agent should: reach the target site (lungs/ lower airways) efficiently without inducing cough or bronchospasm, penetrate infected secretions in the airway, not be absorbed systemically, be simple to administer, not foster antimicrobial resistance and be affordable. Although these requirements are not fulfilled by most antimicrobials, several antibiotics as well a few antiviral and antifungal agents have been tried in children.
Pharmacokinetics of inhaled antibiotics depends on the physico-chemical properties, formulation (in terms of respired particle size), delivery device, status of the airway (anatomy and physiology), and efficacy of airway clearance mechanisms. Although sputum concentrations of inhaled antibiotics have been traditionally measured, these are highly variable and often unreliable.