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Updated: Oct 9, 2025
Rose Bengal-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy to Inhibit Candida albicans
Published on: March 24, 2022
New Applications of Photodynamic Therapy in the Management of Candidiasis
Carmen Rodríguez-Cerdeira1,2,3,4,5, Erick Martínez-Herrera1,4,5,6,7, Gabriella Fabbrocini4,8
1Efficiency, Quality and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Health Research Institute, SERGAS-UVIGO, 36213 Vigo, Spain.
Abstract:
The most important aetiological agent of opportunistic mycoses worldwide is Candida spp. These yeasts can cause severe infections in the host, which may be fatal. Isolates of Candida albicans occur with greater frequency and variable resistance patterns. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been recognised as an alternative treatment to kill pathogenic microorganisms. PDT utilises a photosensitizer, which is activated at a specific wavelength and oxygen concentration. Their reaction yields reactive oxygen species that kill the infectious microorganism. A systematic review of new applications of PDT in the management of candidiasis was performed. Of the 222 studies selected for in-depth screening, 84 were included in this study. All the studies reported the antifungal effectiveness, toxicity and dosimetry of treatment with antimicrobial PDT (aPDT) with different photosensitizers against Candida spp. The manuscripts that are discussed reveal the breadth of the new applications of aPDT against Candida spp., which are resistant to common antifungals. aPDT has superior performance compared to conventional antifungal therapies. With further studies, aPDT should prove valuable in daily clinical practice.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a promising alternative to conventional antifungals for treating candidiasis. This approach effectively combats drug-resistant Candida species, showing potential for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Photochemistry
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candida species are significant causes of opportunistic mycoses, leading to severe and potentially fatal infections.
- Candida albicans is frequently isolated and exhibits variable resistance to standard antifungal treatments.
- Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an emerging treatment modality utilizing photosensitizers and light to generate reactive oxygen species for microbial killing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review new applications of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in managing candidiasis.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of aPDT against Candida species, particularly those resistant to conventional antifungals.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review was conducted, screening 222 studies and including 84 for in-depth analysis.
- The review focused on studies reporting antifungal effectiveness, toxicity, and dosimetry of aPDT using various photosensitizers against Candida species.
Main Results:
- All included studies demonstrated the antifungal effectiveness of aPDT against Candida species.
- aPDT showed superior performance compared to conventional antifungal therapies, especially against resistant strains.
- Data on toxicity and optimal dosimetry for aPDT were reported across the evaluated studies.
Conclusions:
- Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) presents a broad range of new applications for managing candidiasis, including infections caused by antifungal-resistant Candida strains.
- aPDT demonstrates superior efficacy over traditional antifungal treatments.
- Further research into aPDT is warranted to establish its value in routine clinical practice for candidiasis management.
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