Abstract
In order to develop a fast combined method for onychomycosis treatment using an in vitro and an ex vivo models, a combination of two dual-diode lasers at 405 nm and 639 nm wavelengths, in a continuous manner, together with different ozone concentrations (until 80 ppm), was used for performing the experiments on fungal strains growing on PDA agar medium or on pig's hooves samples. In the in vitro model experiments, with 30 min combined treatment, all species are inhibited at 40 ppm ozone concentration, except S. brevicaulis, which didn't show an inhibition in comparison with only ozone treatment. In the ex vivo model experiments, with the same duration and ozone concentration, A. chrysogenum and E. floccosum showed total inhibition; T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum showed a 75% growth inhibition; M. canis showed a delay in sporulation; and S. brevicaulis and A. terreus did not show growth inhibition. This combined laser and ozone treatment may be developed as a fast therapy for human onychomycosis, as a potential alternative to the use of antifungal drugs with potential side effects and long duration treatments.
Highlights
Onychomycosis is a nail infection caused by fungus or yeast [1]
In the case of T. mentagrophytes, the only significant reduction in viability was observed in the case of 30 min treatment with both lasers separately, and in both cases this viability reduction was 5% (Fig 2)
In the case of A. chrysogenum, a 18% increase in fungal growth was observed in the case of 20 min treatment with the 639 nm laser, and an increase was observed with both lasers applied simultaneously during 10 min (26% increase) and 20 min (20% increase) (Fig 2)
Summary
Onychomycosis is a nail infection caused by fungus or yeast [1]. The clinical symptoms of this disease are discoloration of the nails, painless detachment of the nail bed (onycolysis), and hyperkeratosis. These symptoms can reduce the patient’s quality of life with pain, paresthesia, stress or making social relationships difficult [2,3]. Onychomycosis is the most common nail disease, with a prevalence of 5.5% worldwide. The main fungi causing onychomycosis are dermathophytes (60%–70%), especially 3 species: Trichophyton rubrum (>50%), T. mentagrophytes (20%) and Epidermophyton floccosum Diverse risk factors increase the probability of suffering this disease, such as age, trauma, disease (diabetes, obesity, etc.), immunosuppression, psoriasis (56% increased risk), tinea pedis infection, genetics (associated to genes such as mhc or hla-dr8), direct transmission from an infected person or lifestyle habits (sports, smoking or the type of shoes) [4,5,6,7].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
