Open AccessPhotodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Fungal Infections
Author(s) -
Xia Wu,
Yongxuan Hu
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
infection and drug resistance
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.033
H-Index - 39
ISSN - 1178-6973
DOI - 10.2147/idr.s369605
Subject(s) - photodynamic therapy , adverse effect , intensive care medicine , medicine , population , distress , dermatology , pharmacology , clinical psychology , chemistry , environmental health , organic chemistry
Cutaneous fungal infections are common in humans and are associated with significant physical and psychological distress to patients. Although conventional topical and/or oral anti-fungal medications are commonly recommended treatments, drug resistance has emerged as a significant concern in this patient population, and safer, more efficacious, and cost-effective alternatives are warranted. Recent studies have reported effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) against fungal infections without severe adverse effects. In this review, we briefly discuss the mechanisms underlying PDT, current progress, adverse effects, and limitations of this treatment in the management of superficial and deep fungal infections.