Antimicrobial effects of photodynamic therapy

G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2018 Dec;153(6):833-846. doi: 10.23736/S0392-0488.18.06007-8. Epub 2018 Apr 19.

Abstract

The microorganisms that cause infections are increasing their resistance to antibiotics. In this context, alternative treatments are necessary. The antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a therapeutic modality based on photosensitizing molecules that end up generating reactive oxygen species that induce the destruction of the target cells when are irradiated with light of a suitable wavelength and at a proper dose. The cells targeted by aPDT are all types of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and parasites) including viruses and has been proven effective against representative members of all of them. In the field of dermatology, aPDT has been tested with promising results in different infections such as chronic ulcers, acne, onychomycosis and other cutaneous mycoses, as well as in leishmaniasis. Therefore, it is presented as a possible treatment option against the agents that cause skin and/or mucous infections.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • Humans
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Skin Diseases, Infectious / drug therapy*
  • Skin Diseases, Infectious / microbiology

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Reactive Oxygen Species