A Review of the Combination Therapy of Low Frequency Ultrasound with Antibiotics

Biomed Res Int. 2017:2017:2317846. doi: 10.1155/2017/2317846. Epub 2017 Oct 16.

Abstract

Single antimicrobial therapy has been unable to resist the global spread of bacterial resistance. Literatures of available in vitro and in vivo studies were reviewed and the results showed that low frequency ultrasound (LFU) has a promising synergistic bactericidal effect with antibiotics against both planktonic and biofilm bacteria. It also can facilitate the release of antibiotics from medical implants. As a noninvasive and targeted therapy, LFU has great potential in treating bacterial infections. However, more in-depth and detailed studies are still needed before LFU is officially applied as a combination therapy in the field of anti-infective treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacteria / drug effects
  • Biofilms / drug effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Prostheses and Implants / microbiology
  • Ultrasonics*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents