Treatment of Fungal-Infected Diabetic Wounds with Low Temperature Plasma
Kyu Young Choi1, Md Tipu Sultan2, Olatunji Ajiteru2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul 07441, Korea.
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus renders patients susceptible to chronic wounds and various infections. Regarding the latter, fungal infections are of particular concern since, although they are the source of significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, they are generally resistant to conventional treatment and a definite treatment strategy has not yet been established. Herein, we report the treatment of skin wounds in a diabetic rat model, infected by Candida albicans, with low temperature helium plasma generated in a hand-held atmospheric jet device. A fungal infection was induced on two dorsal skin wounds of the diabetic rats, and one wound was treated with the plasma jet whereas the other served as a control. Histological analysis revealed accelerated skin wound healing and decreased evidence of fungal infection in the plasma-treated group, as compared to the control group. Regeneration of the epidermis and dermis, collagen deposition, and neovascularization were all observed as a result of plasma treatment, but without wound contraction, scar formation or any evidence of thermal damage to the tissue. These findings demonstrate that the He plasma jet is remarkably effective in diabetic skin wounds infected by Candida albicans, thereby providing a promising medical treatment option for diabetes mellitus patients with skin wound and fungal infections.
Insights
Low temperature helium plasma effectively treats diabetic skin wounds infected with Candida albicans. This innovative treatment accelerates healing and reduces fungal presence without adverse effects, offering a promising option for diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus increases susceptibility to chronic wounds and infections.
- Fungal infections, particularly Candida albicans, pose significant challenges in diabetic patients due to treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of low-temperature helium plasma in treating Candida albicans-infected skin wounds in a diabetic rat model.
Main Methods:
- A hand-held atmospheric jet device generated helium plasma for wound treatment.
- Diabetic rat models with induced fungal skin infections were used, with one wound treated by plasma and the other serving as a control.
Main Results:
- Plasma treatment accelerated skin wound healing and reduced fungal infection evidence compared to controls.
- Histological analysis showed enhanced epidermal and dermal regeneration, collagen deposition, and neovascularization.
- No adverse effects such as thermal damage, wound contraction, or scar formation were observed.
Conclusions:
- Helium plasma jet treatment is a highly effective therapeutic option for diabetic skin wounds infected with Candida albicans.
- This method presents a promising, non-thermal approach for managing complex wound infections in diabetic patients.
