ANTIMICROBIAL PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF ORAL ERYTHEMATOUS CANDIDIOSIS

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> To analyze the clinical and microbiology effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in patients diagnosed with oral erythematous candidiasis. <h3>Study Design</h3> The present study consisted of a clinical controlled and randomized trial conducted by means of a clinical and microbiological analysis in patients diagnosed with oral erythematous candidiasis, divided into a control group (nystatin group) and an intervention group (aPDT). Patients were reassessed as to the effectiveness of treatment through the application of a clinical index, in addition to microbiological analysis, in pre-established periods. <h3>Results</h3> Of 41 patients analyzed, 32 were successful in their treatment (78%), 4 were unsuccessful (9.8%), and 5 gave up treatment (12.2%). Patients were also analyzed for the degree of the lesion, and it was observed that those of the severe type had more difficulty in presenting remission, whereas mild and moderate lesions all showed regression. For the microbiological analysis, it was observed that <i>Candida albicans</i> was the most prevalent species and the aPDT group had a decrease of colony forming units in the first session. <h3>Conclusions</h3> aPDT was efficient in the clinical and microbiological control of patients with erythematous candidiasis.