A combination of photodynamic therapy and antimicrobial compounds to treat skin and mucosal infections: A systematic review

Vanesa Pérez-Laguna, Yolanda Gilaberte, María Isabel Millán-Lou, Montserrat Agut, Santi Nonell, Antonio Rezusta, Michael R. Hamblin

Research output: Indexed journal article Reviewpeer-review

85 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a growing approach to treat skin and mucosal infections. Despite its effectiveness, investigators have explored whether aPDT can be further combined with antibiotics and antifungal drugs. Objective: To systematically assess the in vivo studies on the effectiveness of combinations of aPTD plus antimicrobials in the treatment of cutaneous and mucosal infections. Materials and methods: Searches were performed in four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library databases, ClinicaTrials.gov) until July 2018. The pooled information was evaluated according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: 11 full-text articles were finally evaluated and included. The best aPDT combinations involved 5-aminolevulinic acid or phenothiazinium dye-based aPDT. In general, the combination shows benefits such as reducing treatment times, lowering drug dosages, decreasing drug toxicity, improving patient compliance and diminishing the risk of developing resistance. The mechanism of action may be that first aPDT damages the microbial cell wall or membrane, which allows better penetration of the antimicrobial drug. Limitations: The number of studies was low, the protocols used were heterogeneous, and there was a lack of clinical trials. Conclusions: The additive or synergistic effect of aPDT combined with antimicrobials could be promising to manage skin and mucosal infections, helping to overcome the microbial drug resistance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1020-1029
Number of pages10
JournalPhotochemical and Photobiological Sciences
Volume18
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2019

Keywords

  • Ala-pdt
  • Diseases society
  • Chromoblastomycosis
  • Antibiotics
  • Update

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A combination of photodynamic therapy and antimicrobial compounds to treat skin and mucosal infections: A systematic review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this