Photodynamic therapy for treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive spherical bacterium that commonly causes various infections which can range from superficial to life-threatening. Hospital strains of S. aureus are often resistant to antibiotics, which has made their treatment difficult in recent decades. Other therapeutic alternatives have been postulated to overcome the drawbacks of antibiotic multi-resistance. Of these, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising approach to address the notable shortage of new active antibiotics against multidrug-resistant S. aureus. PDT combines the use of a photosensitizer agent, light, and oxygen to eradicate pathogenic microorganisms. Through a systematic analysis of published results, this work aims to verify the usefulness of applying PDT in treating multidrug-resistant S.aureus infections. Methods: This review was based on a bibliographic search in various databases and the analysis of relevant publications. Results: There is currently a large body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in eliminating S.aureus strains. Both biofilm-producing strains, as well as multidrug-resistant strains. Conclusion: We conclude that there is sufficient scientific evidence that PDT is a useful adjunct to traditional antibiotic therapy for treating S. aureus infections. Clinical application through appropriate trials should be introduced to further define optimal treatment protocols, safety and efficay.