Nanoparticles for imaging and treating chlamydial infection

Abstract

Compositions of nanoparticles and targeting moieties for imaging and treating Chlamydial infection are provided, including nanoparticles conjugated to folic acid and comprising at least one antibiotic effective against Chlamydia.

1 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . A composition comprising nanoparticles conjugated with folic acid, wherein said particles comprise a first antibiotic in a form and in a dosage suitable for treatment of a persistent intracellular  Chlamydia  infection wherein  Chlamydia  of said infection lack ftsK transcription or lack ftsK and ftsW transcription at the time the composition is administered. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 6  comprising nanoparticles conjugated with folic acid, wherein said particles further comprise one or more other antibiotic(s) active against persistent intracellular  Chlamydia  infection. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 6 , wherein said first antibiotic is selected from the group consisting of azithromycin, amoxicillin, rifampicin, erythromycin, erythromycin ethylsuccinate, ofloxacin, levofloxacin doxycycline, and tetracycline. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 7 , wherein said one or more other antibiotics is selected from the group consisting of azithromycin, amoxicillin, rifampicin, erythromycin, erythromycin ethylsuccinate, ofloxacin, levofloxacin doxycycline, and tetracycline, and said one or more other antibiotics is different from said first antibiotic. 
     
     
         10 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A composition for imaging persistent intracellular  Chlamydia  infection in a cell, comprising nanoparticles conjugated with folic acid, wherein said nanoparticles further comprise at least one detectably labeled moiety and wherein  Chlamydia  of said infection lack ftsK transcription or lack ftsK and ftsW transcription at the time of imaging. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein said nanoparticles are fluorescently labeled.