PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY ON THE TREATMENT OF ORAL CANDIDIASIS IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS: A PROMISING APPROACH

Abstract

Oral candidiasis (OC) is commonly found in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Conventional treatment, performed with topical and systemic antifungals, is not always effective. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be a promising antimicrobial alternative in the treatment of OC in PLWHA. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of PDT on the treatment of OC in PLWHA. Study Design: Eighteen PLWHA, older than 18 years, with OC, were divided into control group (CG = 7) and experimental group (EG = 11). In CG, conventional PDT-associated with antifungal therapy was used (0.01% methylene blue and diode therapy EC laser) and in EG group only PDT was used. Photographs of the Candida lesions of each participant were taken, in a 14-day interval, to follow-up the treatment evolution. These photographs received quantitative and qualitative scores. Results: Of the 7 CG participants, 5 improved, 2 did not show any difference, and none got worse. Of the 11 EG participants, 8 improved, 2 showed no difference, and 1 worsened. Conclusions: PDT may be an effective antimicrobial alternative on the treatment of OC in PLWHA. The combination of PDT and antifungals may reduce the clinical course of the disease. The isolated use of PDT requires further investigation. Oral candidiasis (OC) is commonly found in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Conventional treatment, performed with topical and systemic antifungals, is not always effective. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be a promising antimicrobial alternative in the treatment of OC in PLWHA. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of PDT on the treatment of OC in PLWHA. Study Design: Eighteen PLWHA, older than 18 years, with OC, were divided into control group (CG = 7) and experimental group (EG = 11). In CG, conventional PDT-associated with antifungal therapy was used (0.01% methylene blue and diode therapy EC laser) and in EG group only PDT was used. Photographs of the Candida lesions of each participant were taken, in a 14-day interval, to follow-up the treatment evolution. These photographs received quantitative and qualitative scores. Results: Of the 7 CG participants, 5 improved, 2 did not show any difference, and none got worse. Of the 11 EG participants, 8 improved, 2 showed no difference, and 1 worsened. Conclusions: PDT may be an effective antimicrobial alternative on the treatment of OC in PLWHA. The combination of PDT and antifungals may reduce the clinical course of the disease. The isolated use of PDT requires further investigation.