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Morphological and ultrastructural changes in fungal agents after LASER application
Fernanda A V Fernandes1, Denise C Arruda2, Gilglécia N P Santana1
1Departamento de Infectologia, ESCOLA PAULISTA DE MEDICINA, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil.
Background:
Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection of difficult treatment due to the fungal survival capacity and reduced number of effective therapies. The present study aimed to isolate fungal agents that cause onychomycosis in immunocompetent patients and evaluate how LASER treatments affect the growth and ultrastructure of isolates.
Methods:
In total, 21 patients with positive direct microscopic examination (DME) for onychomycosis had nail samples collected for cultivation and phenotypic identification of microorganisms. From these patients, 12 underwent LASER treatment, divided in Group 1 (n = 5) treated with Nd: YAG 1,064 nm, and Group 2 (n = 7) treated with Nd: YAG 1,064 nm + Er: YAG 2,940 nm + topical isoconazole. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was performed to evaluate ultrastructural changes after treatment.
Results:
DME, cultivation, and phenotypic identification showed that the most identified fungus was Trichophyton rubrum spp. After LASER therapy, sample cultivation showed alterations in the fungal morphology with reduction of hyphae, conidia, and reproductive structures. Alterations in fungal cell wall structure, cytoplasm density, and organelles were observed by TEM.
Conclusion:
LASER irradiation causes changes in the fungal cells, especially in the number of hyphae and the presence of conidia. In addition, it affects fungal growth and reproduction capacity, which interferes with their infection ability and virulence.
Insights
Laser therapy alters fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) by damaging fungal cells, reducing growth, and affecting reproductive structures. This innovative treatment shows promise for combating difficult-to-treat fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Onychomycosis presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to fungal resilience and limited effective treatments.
- Identifying causative fungal agents and exploring novel therapeutic modalities are crucial for managing this infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify fungal agents responsible for onychomycosis in immunocompetent individuals.
- To evaluate the impact of laser treatments on the growth and ultrastructure of isolated fungal pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Nail samples from 21 onychomycosis patients were analyzed via direct microscopic examination (DME), cultivation, and phenotypic identification.
- Twelve patients received laser treatment: Group 1 (Nd:YAG 1,064 nm) and Group 2 (Nd:YAG 1,064 nm + Er:YAG 2,940 nm + topical isoconazole).
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) assessed ultrastructural changes in fungi post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequently identified fungal species.
- Laser therapy resulted in morphological alterations, including reduced hyphae, conidia, and reproductive structures.
- TEM revealed significant changes in fungal cell wall structure, cytoplasm density, and organelles.
Conclusions:
- Laser irradiation induces substantial changes in fungal cell morphology and viability.
- The treatment effectively inhibits fungal growth and reproduction, thereby reducing infectivity and virulence.
