Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to the field of antibacterials and to the treatment, inhibition and prevention of disorders caused by bacteria. More particularly, this 5 invention concerns a method for inhibiting gram-positive bacteria with a composition comprising at least one non-phospholpid lipid vesicle.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to the field of antibacterials and to the treatment, inhibition and prevention of disorders caused by bacteria. More particularly, this invention concerns a method for inhibiting gram-positive bacteria with a composition comprising at least one non-phospholpid lipid vesicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Antibacterial resistance is a global clinical and public health problem that has emerged with alarming rapidity in recent years and undoubtedly will increase in the near future. Resistance is a problem in the community as well as in health care settings, where transmission of bacteria is greatly amplified. Because multiple drug resistance is a growing problem, physicians are now confronted with infections for which there is no effective therapy. The morbidity, mortality, and financial costs of such infections pose an increasing burden for health care systems worldwide, but especially in countries with limited resources. Strategies to address these issues emphasize enhanced surveillance of drug resistance, increased monitoring and improved usage of antimicrobial drugs, professional and public education, development of new drugs, and assessment of alternative therapeutic modalities. 
         [0003]    Gram-positive bacteria are those that are stained dark blue or violet by Gram staining. Gram positive bacteria are generally characterised by having as part of their cell wall structure peptidoglycan as well as polysaccharides and/or teichoic acids. The peptidoglycans which are sometimes also called murein are heteropolymers of glycan strands, which are cross-linked through short peptides. Generally, gram-positive bacteria are the endospore formers and typically (though certainly not always) are the exotoxin releasers. 
         [0004]    Classically, six gram-positive organisms are typically pathogenic in humans. Two of these,  Streptococcus  and  Staphylococcus,  are cocci (round bacteria). The remaining organisms are bacilli (rod-shaped bacteria) and can be subdivided based on their ability to form spores. The non-spore formers are  Corynebacterium  and  Listeria,  while  Bacillus  and  Clostridium  produce spores. The spore-forming bacteria can again be divided based on their respiration:  Bacillus  is a facultative anaerobe, while  Clostridium  is an obligate anaerobe. 
         [0005]    One of the key contributors to the increase in mortality and morbidity due to bacterial infections is the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria. Examples of the seriousness of antibiotic resistance are methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRSA), and the emergence of strains of vancomycin-resistant  S. aureus  which have become resistant to virtually all currently used antibiotics. 
         [0006]    The heavy use of vancomycin to treat MRSA infections has in turn contributed to the emergence of new strains of enterococci, the third most prevalent cause of bacterial infection in the U.S., which are resistant to vancomycin.  Enterococcus  causes as many as 15 percent of bacterial endocarditis cases; it is also the cause of meningitis, and infections in the urinary tract, stomach and intestines. Infections caused by these vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) frequently do not respond to any current therapies, and in many cases prove fatal. 
         [0007]    Liposomes can be used to transport drugs for the delivery of pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions. For example, International Patent Application WO96/12472 (Chinoin Gyógyszer És Vegyészeti Termékek Gyára R T et al.) disclosed a liposomic composition containing, as active ingredient, (−)-N-alpha-dimethyl-N-(2-propynylphenylethylamine) (selegilin) and/or salt thereof. The disclosed composition contains 0.1-40% by weight of selegilin and/or a salt thereof, 2 to 40% by weight of lipids, preferably phospholipids, 0 to 10% by weight of cholesterol, 0 to 20% by weight of an alcohol, 0 to 25% by weight of a glycol, 0 to 3% by weight of an antioxidant, 0 to 3% by weight of a preserving agent, 0 to 2% by weight of a viscosity influencing agent, 0 to 50% by weight of cyclodextrin or a cyclodextrin derivative and 30 to 90% by weight of water. This application also provides the administration of said composition for the treatment of Alzheimer&#39;s disease, Parkinson&#39;s disease, depression, stroke, motion sickness or myelitis. 
         [0008]    Both phospholipids or non-phospholipids can be used to make liposomes. Compared to non-phospholipid liposomes, phospholipid liposomes are more costly, less stable and are unlikely to be available in the quantities needed for prophylaxes. Moreover, methods for producing phospholipid liposomes generally requires the use of organic solvents that are a major source of cellular toxicity. Also, it is more difficult to make phospholipid liposomes having low cholesterol content. 
         [0009]    It is also known from WO2005030170 (Université Pasteur et al.) a method for initiating the controlled rupture of the membrane of a biocompatible phospholipid liposome, often called a furtive liposome, thereby releasing the liposome content to the environment thereof. A releasing agent, preferably an α-cyclodextrin, is embodied in the form of a biocompatible molecule. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,062 (Varanelli et al.) provides an in vitro method of inactivating enveloped viruses by using paucilamellar lipid vesicles, preferably having non-phospholipids, and preparations useful in accomplishing this inactivation. The method is based on the discovery that paucilamellar lipid vesicles, preferably having non-phospholipids as their primary structural material, can fuse with enveloped virus and that the nucleic acid of the virus denatures shortly after the fusion. Generally, the paucilamellar lipid vesicle is filled with either an oil solution or a water solution, both containing a nucleic acid degrading agent. 
         [0011]    Another patent application, EP 1 304 103 A1 (D. F. H Wallach) provides lipid vesicles wherein all said lipids are non phospholipids, as well as their use as vehicles particularly in therapeutic applications such as prevention of AIDS. These non-phospholipid lipid vesicles comprise at least one external stabilized bilayer comprising amongst other things a bilayer-modulating lipid chosen from the cholesterol family, an intravesicular aqueous space and at least one intravesicular micro-emulsion particle surrounded by an internal lipid monolayer. Inactivation of the HIV virus is due to the fusion of the non-phospholipid lipid vesicle with the membrane of said virus. This fusogenic property is probably due to the presence of cholesterol in the modulating lipid bilayer and there is no exchange of lipids between said non-phospholipid lipid vesicle containing cholesterol and the membrane of the HIV virus. Fusion between the nPLV described above and the membrane of an enveloped virus is not appropriate for in vivo inactivating said enveloped virus since it needs a long time to take place. 
         [0012]    PCT publication WO 2007/135523 provides a composition for inactivating an enveloped virus comprising non-phospholipid Lipid Vesicles (nPLV). The inactivating effect is thought to be due to extraction of cholesterol from enveloped viruses by the non-phospholipid Lipid Vesicles. The non-phospholipid Lipid Vesicles can comprise an agent that enhances the lipid exchange between said nPLV and the membrane of said enveloped virus and can be cholesterol free. 
         [0013]    None of the above publications discusses any effect of liposomes on bacteria, especially gram-positive bacteria. Enveloped viruses and gram-positive bacterium are structurally different. Gram-positive bacterium have a cell wall composed of peptidoglycan (repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid) while enveloped viruses are enclosed within a lipoprotein membrane or envelope. It has been found that non-phospholipid lipid vesicles can inhibit growth or propagation of gram-positive bacterium. This is surprising given that the effect of non-phospholipid lipid vesicles on viruses was mediated by membrane lipid exchange between non-phospholipid lipid vesicles and viral envelope, while gram-positive bacterium have a cell wall composed of peptidoglycan. 
         [0014]    There remains a need for a new method of inhibiting gram-positive bacteria that is rapid and efficient, in vitro as well as in vivo. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for inactivating gram-positive bacteria comprising contacting said gram-positive bacteria with a composition comprising at least one non-phospholipid lipid vesicle (nPLV) of the invention. In a particular embodiment, the nPLV comprises a lipid comprising a quaternary ammonium head group. In specific embodiments, the lipid is selected from the group consisting of: hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide (HTAB), dimethyldihexadecyl ammonium bromide (DHAB), Cetrimonium bromide, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide, Cetrimonium chloride, cetyl trimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), and tetra-n-butylammonium bromide (TBAB). 
         [0016]    In general, the lipid is present in a molar ratio of from about 0.01% to about 1%. In one embodiment, the molar ratio is from about 0.1% to about 0.5%. In a specific embodiment, the molar ratio of said lipid is about 0.3%. 
         [0017]    The nPLV can be unilamellar, paucillamellar or multilamellar. In certain embodiments, the nPLV is cholesterol free. In other embodiments, the composition comprising the nPLV comprises a cyclodextrin or derivatives thereof. Preferably, the cyclodextrin is selected from the group consisting of: α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin and a combination thereof. Suitable derivatives are selected from the group consisting of: dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin, trimethyl-β-cyclodextrin, randomly methylated-β-cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl-β-cyclodextrin, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, 3-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, 2-hydroxyisobutyl-β-cyclodextrin, sulphobutylether-β-cyclodextrin, glucosyl-β-cyclodextrin, maltosyl-β-cyclodextrin and combinations thereof. 
         [0018]    The nPLV compositions of the invention can be used to inactivate any gram-positive bacteria. Preferably, the gram-positive bacteria is selected from the group consisting of:  Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus  sp. (Coagulase-negative),  Streptococcus pneumoniae  (Viridans group),  Streptococcus agalactiae  (group B),  Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus  sp.,  Bacillus anthracia, Bacillus oereus, Bifidobacteriu bifidum, Lactobacillus  sp.,  Listeria monocytogenes, Nocardia  sp.,  Rhodococcus equi  (coccobacillus),  Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Corynebacterium diptheriae, Propionibacterium acnes, Actinomyces  sp.,  Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani, Mobiluncus  sp., and  Peptostreptococcus  sp. 
         [0019]    The present invention is also directed to a method for increasing the antibacterial activity of an object or objects comprising contacting said object or objects with a composition comprising at least one non-phospholipid lipid vesicle. In one embodiment, the nPLV comprises a second lipid comprising a quaternary ammonium head group. In another embodiment, the object to be disinfected is selected from the group consisting of: medical equipment, medical devices, and hospital supplies. In specific embodiments, the object is selected from the group consisting of a surface, surgical gloves, surgical instruments and personal masks. The composition of the invention can be in the form of an aqueous suspension or dispersion in hydrogels. 
         [0020]    The present invention is also directed to a method for treating, inhibiting or preventing a disorder associated with gram-positive bacteria in a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one non-phospholipid lipid vesicle, optionally in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, wherein said pharmaceutical composition is delivered to a location proximate to said gram-positive bacteria. In one embodiment, the subject is a mammal, such as a human. In another embodiment, the disorder is an infection, such as a drug resistant and/or multiple drug resistant bacterial infection, e.g., one or more of methicillin resistant  Staphylococcus aureus  (MRSA), methicillin resistant  Staphylococcus epidermidis  (MRSE), methicillin resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci (MRCNS), vancomycin resistant  Enterococcus faecalis,  and/or vancomycin resistant  Enterococcus faecium.  In a particular embodiment, the infection is from gram positive bacteria. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, the nPLV is coadministered with at least one other antibacterial agent. Suitable antibacterial agents include aminoglycosides, β-lactam antibiotics, cephalosporius, macrolides, miscellaneous antibiotics, penicillins, tetracyclines, antifungals, antimalarial agents, antituberculosis agents, antibacterials, leprostatics, miscellaneous anti-infectives, quinolones, sulfonamides, urinary anti-infectives, nasal antibiotics, opthalmic antibiotics, opthalmic antibacterials, opthalmicquinalones, opthalmic sulfonamides, skin and mucous membrane antibiotics, skin and mucous membrane antifungals, skin and mucous membrane antibacterials, skin and mucous membrane miscellaneous anti-infectives, skin and mucous membranescabicides and pedulicides, skin and mucous membrane antineoplasts, nitrofurans and oxazolidinones. The nPLV can be administered simultaneously or sequentially with said at least one other antibacterial agent. 
         [0022]    The present invention is also directed to an antibacterial composition comprising at least one non-phospholipid Lipid Vesicle (nPLV) and at least one other antibacterial agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. 
         [0023]    The present invention is further directed to a kit for treating, inhibiting or preventing an infection of gram-positive bacteria in a subject, said kit comprising at least one non-phospholipid Lipid Vesicle (nPLV) in combination with reagents and/or instructions for use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  shows the inhibitory effect of compositions comprising nPLVs on various gram-positive and gram-negative bacterium. PCE: polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, PA: palmitic acid, HTAB: hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide, DHAB: dimethyldihexadecyl ammonium bromide. Compositions comprising nPLVs inhibit gram-positive bacteria. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  shows the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for nPLV03 (99.9% PCE and 0.1% dimethyldihexadecyl ammonium bromide (DHAB)). 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic view of the quaternary ammonium molecules used in the composition of nPLV03 and nPLV04. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    “A” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.” 
         [0028]    As used herein, the terms “liposome” and “lipid vesicle” are used interchangeably to designate a small sphere made of lipid shells enclosing a central cavity mostly composed of an aqueous volume. The lipids are in the form of bimolecular layers, or lamellae, in an onion-like structure. 
         [0029]    Non-phospholipid Lipid Vesicle (nPLV) refers to vesicles that are spherical structures made of material having high lipid content. These lipids are preferably comprised of non-phospholipids that can be selected from the group comprising the compounds set forth below in Table 2. 
         [0030]    The terms “unilamellar”, “paucilamellar”, “multilamellar”, as used herein, refer to the number of peripheral bilayers surrounding the central cavity of the liposome, in particular the nPLV of the invention. A unilamellar nPLV consists of one peripheral bilayer surrounding the central cavity whereas a multilamellar nPLV consists of more than 2 peripheral bilayers. Paucilamellar nPLV, which can be considered as a sub-class of the multilamellar nPLV, consists of 2 to 8 peripheral bilayers. 
         [0031]    The molecular bilayers of nPLVs have a physical structure similar to classical phospholipid bilayers. For example, it has been shown that X-ray diffraction of C 16  (PEG) 2  ether vesicles showed a simple and principal reflection, representing the thickness of a hydrated, double layer (5,8-6,1 nanometers) of amphiphile, with smaller spacing at higher cholesterol levels—fully analogous to phospholipid bilayers. The spacing of 6.1 nanometers corresponds to the maximum extension of two amphiphile molecules plus a layer of bound water (Mitchell, et al. 1983; Adam et al. 1984). Lantzsch et al. (1996) used fluorescent transfer techniques to determine the surfaces of surfactant type C 12 (PEG) N  in 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine/C 12  (PEG) 1-8  liposomes. For N=1-3, the expansion of surface is equivalent to a liquid-crystalline hydrocarbon phase per molecule of C 12  (PEG) n . For N=4-8, the surface area per molecule of surfactant increased gradually, suggesting a rolled up configuration of the incorporated molecules, with two water molecules per ethylene glycol segment. Further, aqueous dispersions of 1,2-tetradecyl or 1,2-hexadecyl phosphatidylcholine accept large proportions of C 16  (PEG) 4  (Mädler et al., 1998). 
         [0032]    As used herein, the terms “to interact” and “interacting” are meant as having an effect one on another either by direct contact or at a distance. 
         [0033]    Surprisingly, the Applicants have found that compositions comprising non-phospholipid lipid vesicles can inactivate gram-positive bacteria. This is surprising given that the effect of non-phospholipid lipid vesicles on viruses was mediated by membrane lipid exchange between non-phospholipid lipid vesicles and viral envelope, while gram-positive bacterium have a cell wall composed of peptidoglycan. Examples of gram-positive bacteria species include, but are not limited to,  Micrococcus, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Listeria, Erysipelothrix, Propionibacterium, Eubacterium,  and  Corynebacterium.    
         [0034]    Gram Positive cocci include, for example,  Streptococcus  (e.g.  Streptococcus pneumoniae ),  Staphylococcus  (e.g.  Staphylococcus aureus ), and  Enterococcus.  Gram Positive Rods include, for example,  Corynebacteria  (i.e.  Corynebacterium diphtheriae ),  Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus anthracis  (i.e. anthrax). Gram Positive Branching Organisms include, for example,  Actinomycetes.  Gram positive bacteria include:  Bacillus anthracis; Bacillus subtilis; Clostridium botulinum; Clostridium perfringens; Clostridium tetani; Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Lactobacillus  spp.;  Listeria monocytogenes; Mycobacterium leprae; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus  spp.  Mycobacterium  stain acid-fast but phylogentically are more closely related to the gram-positives than they are to the gram-negatives.  Mycoplasma  stain gram-negative but phylogentically are more closely related to the gram-positives than they are to the gram-negatives (it is their lack of a cell wall which leads to this confusing state). Additional gram positive bacteria are listed, for example, in volume 2 of Bergey&#39;s Manual, which contains six sections covering all gram-positive bacteria except the actinomycetes. Bacteria are distributed among these sections on the basis of their shape, the ability to form endospores, acid fastness, oxygen relationships, the ability to temporarily form mycelia, and other properties. 
         [0035]    Exemplary gram-positive bacteria relevant in human medicine also include those listed in Table 1 below. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Aerobic, Gram-positive cocci 
                 Aerobic, Gram-positive rods 
                 Anaerobic, Gram-positive rods 
                 Anaerobic, Gram-positive cocci 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 
                   Staphylococcus aureus 
                 
                 
                   Bacillus anthracis 
                 
                   Actinomyces  sp. 
                   Peptostreptococcus  sp. 
               
               
                 
                   Staphylococcus 
                 
                 
                   Bacillus oereus 
                 
                 
                   Clostridium botulinum 
                 
               
               
                 
                   epidermidis 
                 
               
               
                   Staphylococcus  sp. 
                 
                   Bifidobacteriu bifidum 
                 
                 
                   Clostridium difficile 
                 
               
               
                 (Coagulase-negative) 
               
               
                 
                   Streptococcus pneumoniae 
                 
                   Lactobacillus  sp. 
                 
                   Clostridium perfringens 
                 
               
               
                 (Viridans group) 
               
               
                 
                   Streptococcus agalactiae 
                 
                 
                   Listeria monocytogenes 
                 
                 
                   Clostridium tetani 
                 
               
               
                 (group B) 
               
               
                 
                   Streptococcu spyogenes 
                 
                   Nocardia  sp. 
                   Mobiluncus  sp. 
               
               
                   Enterococcus  sp. 
                 
                   Rhodococcus equi 
                 
               
               
                   
                 (coccobacillus) 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Erysipelothrix 
                 
               
               
                   
                 
                   rhusiopathiae 
                 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Corynebacterium 
                 
               
               
                   
                 
                   diptheriae 
                 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Propionibacterium acnes 
                 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0036]    A variety of Gram-positive organisms are capable of causing sepsis. The most common organisms involved in sepsis are  Staphylococcus aureus, Streptoccocus pneumoniae,  coagulase-negative staphylococci, beta-hemolytic streptococci, and enterococci, but any Gram-positive organism may be involved. (see, e.g., Bone, (1993) J. Critical Care 8:51-59). Thus, it is contemplated that the subject compositions and methods can be used as part of a therapeutic treatment or prevention program for sepsis involving Gram-positive bacteria. 
         [0037]    It is further contemplated that the subject compositions and methods can be used as part of a therapeutic treatment or prevention program for bacteria infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Examples of such drug-resistant bacteria include methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRSA), methicillin resistant  Staphylococcus epidermidis  (MRSE), methicillin resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci (MRCNS), vancomycin resistant  Enterococcus faecalis,  vancomycin resistant  Enterococcus faecium,  and vancomycin-resistant  S. aureus  which have become resistant to virtually all currently used antibiotics. 
         [0038]    Non-phospholipid Lipid Vesicle (nPLV) disclosed herein preferably comprised of non-phospholipids that can be selected from the group comprising the compounds set forth below in Table 2. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0039]    More preferably, the non phospholipids of the invention are selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (PCE), palmitic acid (PA), hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide (HTAB), dimethyldihexadecyl ammonium bromide (DHAB) and oleic acid (OA), either alone or in combination. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, the nPLV comprises a lipid comprising a quaternary ammonium head group. Such a quaternary ammonium containing lipid can be represented by the structure of NR 4   + B − , wherein NR 4   +  represents a quaternary ammonium cation, B −  represents an anion, and R can be same or different alkyl groups. Quaternary ammonium lipids are salts of quaternary ammonium cations with an anion. Quaternary ammonium cations can be synthesized by methods known in the art, for example, by complete alkylation of ammonia or other amines. Many quaternary ammonium lipids can be obtained commercially. 
         [0041]    Exemplary quaternary ammonium lipids include hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide (HTAB), dimethyldihexadecyl ammonium bromide (DHAB), Cetrimonium bromide, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, Cetrimonium chloride, cetyl trimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), tetra-n-butylammonium bromide (TBAB). In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium lipid includes hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) and dimethyldihexadecyl ammonium bromide (DHAB). 
         [0042]    The ratio (e.g., molar ratio) of the non-quaternary ammonium lipid in the non-phospholipid lipid vesicle ranges from about 0.01% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.3%. In one embodiment, the ratio is about 0.3%. 
         [0043]    In another embodiment, the nPLVs can be cholesterol-free (or substantially free of cholesterol), i.e. it does not comprise cholesterol (or, respectively, only traces of cholesterol), cholesterol derivatives such as for example PEG cholesterol, ionogenic cholesterol and surface stabilizing cholesterol, beta -sitosterol, ergosterol and phytosterol. 
         [0044]    Usually, the nPLV of the invention is comprised in a composition. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment, the composition comprising the nPLV can comprise an additional agent. In a particular embodiment, this agent is added to the composition and can be a cyclodextrin or a steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). Preferably, the agent is a cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof. 
         [0046]    Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligomers of glucose that can form water-soluble inclusion complexes with small molecules and portions of large compounds. Chemically they are cyclic oligosaccharides containing at least 6 D-(+) glucopyranose units attached by α-(1,4) glucosidic bonds. There are 3 natural CDs, α-, β-, and γ-CDs, which differ in their ring size and solubility. These biocompatible, cyclic oligosaccharides do not elicit immune responses and have low toxicities in animals and humans. Cyclodextrins are used in pharmaceutical applications for numerous purposes, including improving the bioavailability of drugs. β-CD can selectively extract cholesterol from cellular membranes. High concentrations of β-CD show cellular toxicity and can induce either cell lysis or cellular cell death (apoptosis). 
         [0047]    Derivatives of CD are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,760,017 (inventors: Djedaini-Pilard et al.) and International Application WO91/13100 (inventors: Coates et al.), the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference. Examples of CD derivatives comprise, but are not limited to dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin, trimethyl-β-cyclodextrin, randomly methylated-β-cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl-β-cyclodextrin, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, 3-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, 2-hydroxyisobutyl-β-cyclodextrin, sulphobutylether-β-cyclodextrin, glucosyl-β-cyclodextrin and maltosyl-β-cyclodextrin. 
         [0048]    Usually, the agent is added to the composition. To this end a suitable concentration of CD is prepared in water or PBS and added to the composition so as to obtain the required concentration. 
         [0049]    Preferably, the concentration of cyclodextrin or cyclodextrin derivatives in the composition of the invention is between 0.01 mM and 50 mM. Most preferably, this concentration is between 0.1 mM and 10 mM. At such a low concentration, β-CD has limited effect on cellular integrity. 
         [0050]    Alternatively, the agent can be the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). The steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein is an essential component in the regulation of steroid biosynthesis in adrenal and gonadal cells through cAMP-dependent pathways. In many cases transcriptional induction by cAMP is mediated through the interaction of a cAMP response-element binding protein (CREB) family member with a consensus cAMP response element (CRE; 5′-TGACGTCA-3′) found in the promoter of target genes (Pulak R. Manna et al. (2002), Molecular Endocrinology 16 (1): 184-199). 
         [0051]    A truncated form of the StAR (e.g., N62 StAR; Tuckey et al., 2002 and Alpy et al., 2005) is also envisioned for use as the additional agent. This truncated form of StAR has been shown enhancing the cholesterol transfer between phospholipid-liposomes by a factor of 5 to 10 times. 
         [0052]    Preferably, in such as case the StAR protein is also in solution in the composition. 
         [0053]    The composition may be in a liquid, solid (such as powder . . . ), or semi solid state. 
         [0054]    Usually, the nPLV of the composition has a diameter comprised between 0.2 μm to 10 μm. 
         [0055]    Methods of manufacturing nPLVs, and the nPLVs of the invention, are also described in more detail in Example 1 or in U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,928, U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,723, U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,457, U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,452, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 761,253, and WO 2007/135523, the disclosures of which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
         [0056]    Also encompassed by the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition characterized in that it comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of the nPLVs disclosed herein, optionally in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. 
         [0057]    In a further embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an enhancer agent as described above. Preferably, the enhancer agent is at least one cyclodextrin or derivatives thereof. 
         [0058]    The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to molecular entities and compositions that are physiologically tolerable and do not typically produce an allergic or similar untoward reaction, such as gastric upset, dizziness and the like, when administered to a human. 
         [0059]    Acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers are non-toxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugars such as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol; salt-forming counter-ions such as sodium; metal complexes. 
         [0060]    The form of administration of the pharmaceutical composition may be systemic or topical. For example, administration of such a composition may be various parenteral routes such as subcutaneous, intravenous, intradermal, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intranasal, transdermal, buccal routes, preferentially by inhalation, or via an implanted device, and may also be delivered by peristaltic means. 
         [0061]    The pharmaceutical composition, as described herein, may also be incorporated or impregnated into a bioabsorbable matrix, with the matrix being administered in the form of a suspension of matrix, a gel or a solid support. In addition the matrix may be comprised of a biopolymer. 
         [0062]    In case the formulations to be used for in vivo administration must be sterile, this is readily accomplished for example by using sterile compounds for the preparation of the composition of the invention. 
         [0063]    It is understood that the suitable dosage of the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention will be dependent upon the age, sex, health, and weight of the recipient, kind of concurrent treatment, if any and the nature of the effect desired. 
         [0064]    The appropriate dosage form will depend on the disease, the nPLV, the enhancer agent and the mode of administration; possibilities include a spray or other aerosol means of delivery to the respiratory passages. Other ways of topically applying the inhibiting solution include creams, mouthwashes, dental pastes, eye drops, solutions, ointments, gels such as vaginal gels, and lubricants such as condom lubricants. 
         [0065]    An optional dose of the compound for treatment of a bacterial (such as a gram positive bacteria) infection is about 1 to 50 mg/kg, or 1 to 20 mg/kg, of body weight per day, more generally 0.1 to about 100 mg per kilogram body weight of the recipient per day. The effective dosage range of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs can be calculated based on the weight of the parent nucleoside to be delivered. If the salt or prodrug exhibits activity in itself, the effective dosage can be estimated as above using the weight of the salt or prodrug, or by other means known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0066]    Optionally, the active ingredient should be administered to achieve peak plasma concentrations of the active compound of from about 0.2 to 70 M, e.g., about 1.0 to 10 uM. This may be achieved, for example, by the intravenous injection of a 0.1 to 5% solution of the active ingredient, optionally in saline, or administered as a bolus of the active ingredient. The concentration of active compound in the drug composition will depend on absorption, inactivation and excretion rates of the drug as well as other factors known to those of skill in the art. It is to be further understood that for any particular subject, specific dosage regimens should be adjusted according to the individual need and the professional judgment of the person administering or supervising the administration of the compositions, and that the concentration ranges set forth herein are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope or practice of the claimed composition. The active ingredient may be administered at once, or may be divided into a number of smaller doses to be administered at varying intervals of time. 
         [0067]    The compound is conveniently administered in unit any suitable dosage form, including but not limited to one containing 7 to 3000 mg, or 70 to 1400 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form. A dosage of 50-1000 mg is optional. 
         [0068]    The present invention also provides a method of preventing, inhibiting or treating a bacterial infection, in a host, for example an animal, and typically a human, comprising administering a therapeutic amount of a nPLV composition of the present invention, optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent where the bacterial infection is due to a gram-positive bacteria. 
         [0069]    The present disclosure also provides a method for inhibiting gram-positive bacteria comprising the step of contacting said gram-positive bacteria with a composition comprising one or more nPLVs. Inhibition of bacterial replication or treatment of an infection in a cell can be measured by showing a reduction in bacterial replication in a cell to a level lower than the level in an otherwise identical cell, which was not administered the compound or composition of the invention. The reduction can be by about 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, about 99.9% or more. The level of bacterial replication in a cell can be assessed by any known methods. For example, the level of bacterial replication in a cell can be assessed by evaluating the number of bacterial particles or amount of a bacterial component, such as a bacterial protein, a bacterial enzyme, or bacterial nucleic acid, in the cell or in fluid or debris associated with the cell. The number of infectious bacteria in a cell can be evaluated, for example, in a plaque assay. The level of a bacterial component such as a bacterial protein or enzyme in a cell can be evaluated using standard analytical techniques of protein biochemistry, such as, for example, using an activity assay for a bacterial enzyme, or using Western blotting or quantitative gel electrophoresis for a bacterial protein. Bacterial nucleic acid levels in a cell can be evaluated using standard analytical techniques such as Northern blotting and Southern Blotting or quantitation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 
         [0070]    nPLVs that can be used in the methods disclosed herein include those that are disclosed above. 
         [0071]    In one embodiment, the nPLVs used for inhibiting gram-positive bacteria comprise a quaternary ammonium head group. Such quaternary ammonium containing lipids are disclosed above. In another embodiment, the quaternary ammonium containing lipids contained in the nPLVs include hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) and dimethyldihexadecyl ammonium bromide (DHAB). In a further embodiment, the nPLV can comprise an additional agent which is added to the composition. In a particular embodiment, this agent can be a cyclodextrin or a steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). Preferably, the agent is a cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof. Cyclodextrins or derivatives thereof are disclosed above. In still a further embodiment, the nPLVs can be cholesterol-free. 
         [0072]    The gram-positive bacteria that can be inhibited by the nPLVs include those disclosed above, such as  Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Listeria, Erysipelothrix, Propionibacterium, Eubacterium,  and  Corynebacterium, Streptococcus  (e.g.  Streptococcus pneumoniae ),  Staphylococcus  (e.g.  Staphylococcus aureus ), and  Enterococcus.  Gram Positive Rods include, for example,  Corynebacteria  (i.e.  Corynebacterium diphtheriae ),  Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus anthracis  (i.e. anthrax) and  Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.  Gram Positive Branching Organisms include, for example,  Actinomycetes.  Gram positive bacteria include:  Bacillus anthracis; Bacillus subtilis; Clostridium botulinum; Clostridium perfringens; Clostridium tetani; Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Lactobacillus  spp.;  Listeria monocytogenes; Mycobacterium leprae; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus  spp.  Mycobacterium  stain acid-fast but phylogentically are more closely related to the gram-positives than they are to the gram-negatives.  Mycoplasma  stain gram-negative but phylogentically are more closely related to the gram-positives than they are to the gram-negatives (it is their lack of a cell wall which leads to this confusing state). Additional gram positive bacteria are listed, for example, in volume 2 of Bergey&#39;s Manual, which contains six sections covering all gram-positive bacteria except the actinomycetes. Bacteria are distributed among these sections on the basis of their shape, the ability to form endospores, acid fastness, oxygen relationships, the ability to temporarily form mycelia, and other properties. In one embodiment, the gram-positive bacteria that can be inactivated includes those relevant in human medicine (e.g., those listed in Table 1). In particular embodiment, the nPLVs can be used to inactivate drug-resistant bacteria including drug-resistant bacteria include methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRSA), methicillin resistant  Staphylococcus epidermidis  (MRSE), methicillin resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci (MRCNS), vancomycin resistant  Enterococcus faecalis,  vancomycin resistant  Enterococcus faecium,  and vancomycin-resistant  S. aureus.    
         [0073]    Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial that will inhibit the visible growth of a microorganism after overnight incubation. 
         [0074]    Generally, MICs can be determined by agar or broth (e.g., LB broth) dilution methods. A standard method of determining MIC for a composition comprising nPLVs includes: growing inoculums of bacteria (e.g., 5×10 5  bacteria/ml) overnight in LB broth medium in presence of various concentration of a composition comprising nPLVs, each culture sample is then serially diluted and plated on an agar plate, the agar plate is then incubated overnight at 37° C. for titer determination. Disclosure of such a method can be found in “Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations” by Jennifer M. Andrews in  Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy  (2001) 48, Suppl. S1, 5-16. In addition, guidelines determination of MICs can be found from organizations such as the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemistry (BSAC) or the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (EUCAST). There are also several commercial methods available, including the Etest strips and the Oxoid MICEvaluator method. 
         [0075]    MICs are important in diagnostic laboratories to confirm resistance of microorganisms to an antimicrobial agent. Clinically, the minimum inhibitory concentrations can be used to determine the amount of antibiotic that a patient will receive, as well as the type of antibiotic used. Such determinations can lower the opportunity for microbial resistance to specific antimicrobial agents. 
         [0076]    MICs for nPLVs against various gram-positive bacteria can be determined using standard methods described above or other methods known in the art. These MICs can be used to determine the minimum amount of the respective nPLV that can be used for inhibiting gram-positive bacteria. 
         [0077]    The present disclosure further provides a method of treating or preventing a disease associated with gram-positive bacteria in a subject comprising the step of administering to said subject the pharmaceutical composition as described herein, to a location proximate to said gram-positive bacteria. Possible modes of delivery include a spray or other aerosol means of delivery to the respiratory passages, creams, mouthwashes, dental pastes, solutions, ointments, gels such as vaginal gels, eyes drops and lubricants such as condom lubricants, creams, lotions, or solutions for external application to skin and mucosal surfaces, including the cornea, dermal cuts and abrasions, burns, and sites of bacterial infection. 
         [0078]    Interaction of the composition of the invention with gram-positive bacteria in the airways blocks bacteria infectivity, thereby, propagation in the lungs (individual prophylaxis-treatment). Physiological processes flush out the composition and inactivated bacteria. Moreover, being partially or completely inactive, bacteria are limited in their spread in the surrounding population when expelled by coughing or sneezing (population prophylaxis). 
         [0079]    The term “treating” refers to therapeutic treatment, while the term “preventing” refers to prophylactic or preventative measures. Those (subjects) in need of treatment may include those already with a disorder as well as those in which a disorder is to be prevented. The subject to be treated herein may have been diagnosed as having a disorder or may be susceptible to a disorder. 
         [0080]    Preferably, the subject is an animal or a human. 
         [0081]    Most preferably the term animal refers to domestic and farm animals (e.g. poultries), and zoo, sports, or pet animals, such as dogs, horses, pigs, cats, cows, monkeys etc. . . . 
         [0082]    Embraced by the scope of the present invention is also the use of the pharmaceutical composition, as described herein, in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a gram-positive bacteria-associated disease. 
         [0083]    Also encompassed in the present invention is the use of the composition of the invention in the preparation of a large-scale biocompatible disinfectant. Accordingly, the composition of the invention is diluted as needed to prepare simple aqueous suspensions, or formulated as dispersions in hydrogels, pastes or sprays. 
         [0084]    In addition to the described active components, the disinfectant preparations of the invention may contain other typical components depending on the desired use of the formulation. In particular, an acidifier may be used to keep the pH range of the disinfection solution below 6. Suitable solvents for the protonated compounds and/or the other active ingredients may be employed, and preferably are water or water miscible organic solvents. Solutions such as these may be readily sprayed using compressed air or any other propellants known by those in the art. 
         [0085]    These disinfectant preparations of the invention are suitable for surface disinfection in medically-related environments, such as hospitals, veterinary clinics, dental and medical offices and the like. Use of solutions of the invention in the sterilization of surgical instruments is especially preferred. These disinfectant preparations are also useful in public areas such as schools, public transport, restaurants, hotels and laundries. The disinfectants also find use in home as sanitizers for toilets, basins, and kitchen areas. The disinfectant preparations comprising the compositions disclosed herein can be used to disinfect medical devices, surgical instruments, surgical glows or personal masks. The disinfectants may also be useful in surgical settings, both for the medical staff and to sterilize the area of surgery on the patient. For example, surgical instruments can be coated with the compositions of the invention to provide for a sterile coating prior to surgery. 
         [0086]    The present disclosure also provides the use of the composition of the invention, in the preparation of an antibacterial coating agent. This coating agent may then be used to cover, for example, surgical glows, surgical devices, surgical apparatus, male condoms and personal masks, or for coating indwelling catheters and similar implants which are susceptible to harboring bacterial infection. 
         [0087]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a kit for inhibiting gram-positive bacteria, said kit comprising an nPLV composition of the invention, optionally with reagents and/or instructions for use. 
         [0088]    It is possible that drug-resistant variants of bacteria can emerge after prolonged treatment with an anti-bacterial agent. The efficacy of a drug against the bacterial infection can be prolonged, augmented, or restored by administering the compound in combination or alternation with a second, and perhaps third, anti-bacterial agent, for example with a different site of activity than the principle drug. Alternatively, the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution or other parameter of the drug can be altered by such combination or alternation therapy. In general, combination therapy is typical because it induces multiple simultaneous stresses on the bacteria. 
         [0089]    Accordingly, the kit of the present invention may further comprise a separate pharmaceutical dosage form comprising an additional anti-bacteria agent. Suitable antibiotic agents are disclosed, e.g. in Physician&#39;s Desk 30 Reference (PDR), Medical Economics Company (Montvale, N.J.), (53rd Ed.), 1999; Mayo Medical Center Formulary, Unabridged Version, Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.), January 1998; Merck Index An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs and Biologicals, (11th Ed.), Merck &amp; Co., Inc. (Rahway, N.J.), 1989; University of Wisconsin Antimicrobial Use Guide, http://www.medsch.wisc.edu/clinsci/5amcg/amcg.html; Introduction on the Use of the Antibiotics Guideline, of Specific Antibiotic Classes, Thomas Jefferson University, http://jeffiine.tju.edu/CWIS/OAC/antibiotics_guide/intro.html; and references cited therein. 
         [0090]    Non-limiting examples of antibiotics classes include Sulfonamides, Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Aminoglycosides, Chloramphenicol, Tetracyclines, Macrolides, Lincosamides, Streptogramins, Glycopeptides, Rifamycins, Nitroimidiazoles, Quinolones, Trimethoprim, Oxazolidinones, Lipopeptides. 
         [0091]    Specific compounds include, for example, Amikacin (amikacin sulfate); Craramyein (gentamicin sulfate); Nebcin (tobramycin sulfate); Netromycin (netilmicin sulfate); Streptomycin Sulfate; and TOBI (tobramycin), Azactam (aztreonam); Cefotan (cefotetan); Lorabid (loracarbef); Mefoxin (cefoxitin); Merrem (meropenem); and Primaxin (imipenem and cilastatin for injectable suspension); Ancef (cefazolin); Ceclor (cefaclor); Cedax (ceffibuten); Cefizox (ceffizoxime sodium); Cefobid (cefoperazone sodium); Ceftin (cefuroxime axetil); Cefzil (cefprozil); Ceptaz (ceftazidime); Claforan (cefotaxime); Duricef (cefadroxil monohydrate); Fortaz (ceftazidime); Keflex (cephalexin); Keftab (cephalexin HCl); Kefurox (cefuroxime); Kefzol (cefazolin); Mandol (cefamandole nafate); Maxipime (cefepime HCl); Monocid (cefonicidsodium); Omnicef (cefdinir); Rocephin (ceftriaxone); Suprax (cefixime); Tazicef (ceftazidime); Tazidime (ceftazidime); Vantin (cefpodoxime proxetil); and Zinacef5 (cefuroxime); Biaxin (clarithromycin); Dynabac (dirithromycin); E.E.S. 200 (Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate); E.E.S. 400 (Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate); Ery-Ped 200 (Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate); EryPed 400 (Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate); Ery-Tab (Erythromycin delayed-release tablets); Erythrocin Stearate (Erythromycin stearate); Ilosone (erythromycinestolate); PCE Dispertab (erythromycin particles in tablets); Pediazole (erythromycin ethylsuccinate and sulfisoxazole acetyl for oral suspension); Tao (troleandomycin); Zithromax (azithromycin); and Erythromycin; Cleocin HCl (clindamycin hydrochloride); Cleotin Phosphate (elindamycin phosphate); Coly-Mycin M (colistimethate sodium); and Vancocin HCl (vancomycin hydrochloride); Amoxil (amoxicillin); Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium); Bicillin C-R 900/300 (Penicillin G benzathine and Penicillin G procaine suspension); Bicillin C-R (Penicillin G benzathine and Penicillin G procaine suspension); Bicillin L-A (Penicillin G benzathine suspension); Geoeillin (carbencillin indanyl sodium); Mezlin (sterile mezlocillinsodium); Omnipen (ampicillin); Pen-Vee K (penicillin V potassium); Pfizerpen (penicillin G potassium); Pipracil (piperacillin sodium); Speetrobid (bacampicillin-HCl); Ticar (tiearcillin disodium); Timentin (ticarcillin disodium and clavulanate potassium); Unasyn (ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium); Zosyn (piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium); and Dicloxacillin Sodium; Achromycin V (tetracycline HCl); Declomycin (demeclo-cycline HCl); Dynacin (minocylcine HCl); Minocin (minocycline hydrochloride); Monodox (Doxycycline monohydrate capsules); Terramycin (oxytetracyline); Vectrin (minocycline hydrochloride); Vibramycin Calcium (doxycycline sodium); Vibramycin Hyclate (doxycycline hyclate); Vibramycin Monohydrate (doxycycline monohydrate); Vibra-Tabs (doxycycline-hydrate); Declomycin (demeclocycline HCl); Vibramycin (doxycycline); Dynacin (Minocyline HCl); Terramycin (oxytetracycline HCl); Achromycin V capsules5 (tetracycline HCl); Linco-mycins; and Cleotin HCl (clindamycin HCl); Abelcet (amphotericin B lipid complex); AmBisome (amphotericin B); Amphotec (amphotericin B cholesterol sulfatecomplex); Ancobon (flucytosine); Diflucan (fluconazole); Fulvicin P/Gamma (ultramicrosize griseofulvin); Fulvicin P/G 165 and 330 (ultramicrosize griseofulvin); Grifulvin V (griseofulvin); Gals-PEG (gxiseofulvin ultramicrosize); Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride); Nizoral (ketoconazole); Amphotericin B; Lotrimin (clotrimazole); Dapsone tablets (dapsone); Diflucan (fluconazole); Monistat-Derm cream (miconazole); Mycostalin Crc am (nystatin); and Sporanox (itraconazole); Aralen hydrochloride (chloroquine HCl); Aralen phosphate (chloroquine phosphate); Dataprim (pyrimethamine); Ladam (mefloquine HCl); and Plaquenil (hydroxychloroqnine sulfate); Capastat sulfate (capreomycinsulfate); Myambutol (ethambutol hydrochloride); Mycobutin (rifabutin capsules); Nydrazid (isoniazid injection); Paser (aminosalicylic acid); Prifiin (rifapentine); Pyrazinamide tablets (pyrazinamide); Rifadin (rifampin capsules); Rifadin IV (rifampin for injection); Rifamate (rifampin and isoniazid); Rifater (rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide); Seromycin (cycloserine capsules); Streptomycin-Sulfate; Tice BCG (3CG vaccine); Cycloserine (seromycin capsules); Urised (Methenamine); and Trecator-SC (ethionamide tablets); Alferon N (interferon alfa-n3); Crixivan (indinavir sulfate); Cytovene (ganciclovir); Cytovene-IV (ganciclovir sodium); Epivir (lamivudine); Famvir (famciclovir); Flumadine (rimantadine HCl); Foscavir (foscamet sodium); Hivid (zalcitabine); Intron A (interferon alfa-2b); Invirase (saquinavir mesylate); Norvir (ritonavir); Rebetron combination therapy, which contains Rebetrol (ribavirin) and Intron A (inteferon alfa-2b); Rescriptor (delavirdine mesylate); Retrovir (ziduvudine); Retrovir IV (ziduvudine); Symmetrel (amantadine HCl); Synagis (palivizumab); Valtrex (valacyclovir HCl); Videx (didanosine); Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate); Viramune (nevirapine); Virazole (ribavirin); Vistide (cidofovir); Zerit (stavudine (d4T)); Symmetrel Syrup (amantadine HCl); Combivir Tablets (lamiduvine); and Zovirax (acyclovir); Dapsone Tablets (dapsone); Daraprim (pyrimethamine); Flagyl 375 (metronidazole); Flagyl ER Tablets (metronidazole); Flagyl I.V. (metronidazole); Furoxone (furazolidone); Mepron (atovaquone); and Neutrexin (tfimetrexate glucuronate); Cipro (ciprofloxacin HCl); Floxin (ofloxacin); Levaquin (levofloxacin); Mazaquin (lomefioxacin HCl); Noroxin (norfloxacin); Penetrex (enoxacin); Raxar (grepafloxacin HCl); Trovan (trovafioxacin mesylate); and Zagam (sparfloxacin); Bactrim. (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole); Bactrim DS (Irimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole double strength); Pediazole (erythromycin ethylsuccinate and sulfisoxazole acetyl); Septra (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole); Septra DS (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole); Co-Trimoxazole, Sulfadiazine, Battrim I.V. Infusion (sulfamethoxazole); Sulfapyridine and Pediazole (erythromycin ethylsuccinate and sulfisoxazole acetyl); Furadantin (nitrofurantoin); Macrobid (nitrofurantoin monohydrate macrocrystals); Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin macrocrystals); Monurol Sachet (fosfomycin tromethamine); NegGram Caplets (nalidixic acid); Septra (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole); Septra DS (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole); Urised (a combination of the antisepticsmethenamine, methylene blue, phenyl salicylate, benzoic acid and parasympatholytics (atropine sulfate) hyoscyamine); (oxytetracycline HCl, sulfamethizole and phenazopyridine HCl); (methenamine mandelate); Bactroban (mupirocin); Chloromycetin opthalmic (chloramphenical); Cortisporin (neomycin and polymyxin [3 sulfates and hydrocortisone acetate cream); Ilotycin (erythromycin opthabnic ointment); NeoDecadron (neomycin sulfate-dexamethasone sodium phosphate); Polytrim (tfimethoprim and polythyxin [3 sulfate opthalmic solution); Terra-Cortril (oxytetracycline HCl and hydrocortisone acetate); Terramycin (oxytetracycline); and TobraDex (tobramycin and dexamethasone opthalmic suspension and ointment); Vita-A opthalmic ointment, (vidatabine); (norfloxacinopthalmic solution; Ciloxan opthalmic solution and ointment (Ciprofloxacin HCl); and Ocuflox opthalmic solution (ofioxacin), Blephamide opthalmicointment (sulfacetamide sodium and prednisolone acetate); and Blephamideopthalmic suspension (sulfacetamide sodium and predrdsolone acetate); A/T/S (erythromycin); Bactroban (mupirocin); Benzamycin (erythromycin-benzoyl peroxide topical gel); Betadine (povidone-odine); Cleotin T (clindamy cinphosphate topical solution); Clindets (clindamycin phosphate pledgets); Cortispofin (neomycin, polymyxin B sulfates and hydrocortisone acetate cream); Emgel (erythromycin); Erycette (erythromycin topical solution); Garamycin (gentamicin sulfate); Klaron (sodium sulfacetamide lotion); Mycostatin (nystatin cream); Theramycin Z (erythromycin topical solution); T-Stat (erythromycin); Chloromycetin (chloramphenicol opthalmic ointment); Cortisporin (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates, bacitracin zinc and hydrocortisone opthalmic ointment); Ilotycin (erythromycin); NeoDeeadron (neomycin sulfate-dexamethasone sodium phosphate); Polytrim (trimethoprim and polymyxin B sulfate); Terra-Cortril (oxytetracycline HCl and hydrocortisone acetate); Terramycin (oxytetracycline); Exelderm (sulconazole nitrate); Fungizone (amphotericin B oral suspension); Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride cream); Loprox (ciclopiroxolamine); Lotrimin (clotrimazole); Lotrisone (clotrimazole and betamethasone diproprionate); Mentax (butenafine HCl); Monistat-Denn (miconazole nitrate); Mycelex (clotrimazole); Mycostatin (nystatin); Naffin (nattifine HCl); Nizoral Ocetoconazole); Nystop (nystatin); Oxistat (oxiconazole nitrate); Selsun R.sup.x (2.5% selenium sulfide lotion); and Spectazole (econazole nitrate); Denavir (penciclovir cream); and Zovirax (acyclovir); Benzashave Coenzoyl peroxide); Betadine (povidone-iodine); Betasept (chlorhexidine gluconate); Cetaphil (soap substitute); Clorpactin WCS-90 (sodium oxychlorosene); Dapsone Tablets (dapsone); Desquam-E Coenzoyl peroxide); Desquam-X (benzoyl peroxide); Hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate); Hibistat (ehlorhexidine gluconate); Impregon (tetrachlorosalicylanilide 2%); MetroCream (metronidazole); MetroGel (metronidazole); Noritate (metronidazole); pHisoHex (hexachlorophene detergent cleanser); Sulfacet-R (sodium sulfacetamide 10% and sulfur 5%); Sulfamylon (materfide acetate); Tfiaz Coenzoyl peroxide); and Vanoxide-HC Coenzoyl peroxide hydrocortisone); Acticin (permethrin); Elimite (permethrin); Eurax (crotamiton); Efudex (fluoro-uracil); Fluoroplex, rifapentine, quinupristin/dalfopristin, moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, linezolid, cefditoren pivoxil, ertapenem, gemifloxacin, daptomycin, telithromycin, and combinations thereof. 
         [0092]    Alternatively, the nPLV composition of the invention may further comprise an additional anti-bacteria agent listed above and combinations thereof. 
         [0093]    In combination therapy, effective dosages of two or more agents are administered together, whereas in alternation or sequential-step therapy, an effective dosage of each agent is administered serially or sequentially. The dosages given will depend on absorption, inactivation and excretion rates of the drug as well as other factors known to those of skill in the art. It is to be noted that dosage values will also vary with the severity of the condition to be alleviated. It is to be further understood that for any particular subject, specific dosage regimens and schedules should be adjusted over time according to the individual need and the professional judgment of the person administering or supervising the administration of the compositions. In some embodiments, an anti-bacterial agent that exhibits an EC 50  of 10-15 μM or less, or typically less than 1-5 μM, is desirable. 
         [0094]    Generally, the Kit comprises a container and a label or package insert on or associated with the container. Suitable containers include, for example, bottles, vials, syringes, etc. The containers may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic. The container holds a composition which is effective for treating the condition and may have a sterile access port (for example the container may be an intravenous solution bag or a vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle or an aerosol spray device). The label or package insert indicates that the composition is used for treating the condition of choice, such as bacteria infections. 
         [0095]    Alternatively, or additionally, the Kit may further comprise a second (or third) container comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable buffer, such as bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI), phosphate-buffered saline, Ringer&#39;s solution and dextrose solution. It may further include other materials desirable from a commercial and user standpoint, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, and syringes. 
         [0096]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations or any two or more of said steps or features. The present disclosure is therefore to be considered as in all aspects illustrated and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended Claims, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency are intended to be embraced therein. 
         [0097]    Various references are cited throughout this Specification, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0098]    The foregoing description will be more fully understood with reference to the following Examples. Such Examples, are, however, exemplary of methods of practicing the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
       EXAMPLES 
     Example 1  
     Material and Methods 
     Bacteria Strains. 
       [0099]    Different strains of gram-positive bacteria, e.g.,  Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus,  and different strains of gram-negative bacteria, e.g.,  Escherichia coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa,  were used. Bacterium were grown and maintained according to standard protocols known in the art. 
         [0000]    nPLVs Preparation. 
         [0100]    The primary lipid used was polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (PCE), either alone or in combination with palmitic acid (PA), hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) or dimethyldihexadecyl ammonium bromide (DHAB) at the molar ratios set forth below. 
         [0101]    The lipid mixture was heated to 50° C. and mixed with phosphate buffer saline (PBS), also pre-heated to 50° C., using the 2-syringes method. Briefly, a 10-ml syringe, containing 0.5 g of the lipid mixture, was connected to a second 10-ml syringe containing 10 ml of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) (5% final lipid concentration). The lipid blend was then injected into the PBS syringe, and the resulting mixture was rapidly passed forth and back about 20 times, until a homogeneous suspension was obtained. The preparation was subsequently checked for nPLV quality by phase-contrast microscopy. Four types of nPLVs were prepared: nPLV01: 100% polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (PCE); nPLV02: 99.9% PCE and 0.1% palmitic acid (PA); nPLV03 99.9% PCE and 0.1% hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide (HTAB); nPLVO4 99.9% PCE and 0.1% dimethyldihexadecyl ammonium bromide (DHAB). Two sets of each type of nPLVs were prepared: one with 5 mM cyclodextrin and the other containing no cyclodextrin. 
       Inactivation Assay. 
       [0102]    Following plating on agar of the indicated bacteria, a drop of nPLV compositions, with or without cyclodextrin, was deposited on the plates. For each product a volume of 100 μl was deposited at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml (50 mg total lipid). Agar plates were then incubated at 37° C. overnight. White plaques indicated an inhibition of growth. 
       Example 2  
     Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) 
     Bacteria Strain. 
       [0000]    
       
           Bacillus subtilis  was used in this experiment.
 
nPLVs Preparation.
 
         As previously described in example 1. 
       
     
       Assay. 
       [0105]    Inoculums of 5×10 5  bacteria/ml ( b. subtilis ) were grown overnight in LB broth medium in presence of various concentration of nPLV03 (99.9% PCE and 0.1% hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide (HTAB)). Each culture sample was then serially diluted and plated on agar for titer determination. 
       Example 3  
     Results 
       [0106]    In order to explore the possibility of inhibiting bacteria using the composition disclosed herein, Applicants tested the inhibitory effect of the composition on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. 
         [0107]    Applicants synthesized four different nPLVs using different lipid compounds: nPLV01: 100% polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (PCE); nPLV02: 99.9% PCE and 0.1% palmitic acid (PA); nPLV03 99.9% PCE and 0.1% hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide (HTAB); nPLVO4 99.9% PCE and 0.1% dimethyldihexadecyl ammonium bromide (DHAB). Also, two sets of each type of nPLVs were prepared: one with 5 mM cyclodextrin and the other contains no cyclodextrin. 
         [0108]    As evident from  FIG. 1 , vesicles containing a quaternary ammonium (50 ng total) inhibited the growth of bacteria. This inhibitory effect appeared, at this concentration, to be independent of the presence of cyclodextrin. 
         [0109]    As evident from  FIG. 2 , minimum inhibitory concentration for nPLV03 (without cyclodextrin) was determined as 23.4 mg/L of total lipid, i.e. 23.4 μg/L of HTAB. 
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