[Effect of intense pulsed light on Trichophyton rubrum growth in vitro]

Hao Huang1, Hong-Feng Tang, Ying Chen

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Shunde First People's Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Foshan 528300, China.

Abstract

Insights

Intense pulsed light (420 nm) effectively inhibits Trichophyton rubrum growth by inducing oxidative stress. This light therapy causes significant fungal injury and death, offering a potential new treatment for fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Photobiology

Background:

  • Trichophyton rubrum is a common cause of superficial fungal infections.
  • Current treatments for T. rubrum infections can be limited by resistance and side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of 420 nm intense pulsed light (IPL) against Trichophyton rubrum in vitro.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanism of IPL-induced fungal cell death.

Main Methods:

  • Fungal conidia were exposed to 420 nm IPL (12 J/cm², 12 pulses) or left untreated (control).
  • Fungal growth, viability (MTT assay), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed post-irradiation.

Main Results:

  • IPL treatment resulted in significant growth inhibition and a 30% reduction in fungal viability at 6 hours.
  • Irradiated fungi exhibited elevated levels of ROS and MDA, indicating oxidative stress.
  • The optimal effective dose was determined to be 12 J/cm² delivered in 12 pulses.

Conclusions:

  • 420 nm IPL induces significant oxidative stress in Trichophyton rubrum.
  • This oxidative stress leads to fungal injury and cell death, demonstrating the potential of IPL as an antifungal therapy.

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