Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT).
Whereas the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer has recently shown rapid clinical acceptance, photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT)--which predates the related cancer regimen--is not widely appreciated. Like PDT, PACT utilizes photosensitizers and visible or ultraviolet light in order to give a phototoxic response, normally via oxidative damage. Currently, the major use of PACT is in the disinfection of blood products, particularly for viral inactivation, although more clinically-based protocols are being developed, e.g. in the treatment of oral infection. The technique has been shown to be effective in vitro against bacteria (including drug-resistant strains), yeasts, viruses and parasites. A wide range of photosensitizers, both natural and synthetic, is available with differing physicochemical make-up and light-absorption properties. PACT is proposed as a potential, low-cost approach to the treatment of locally occurring infection.
Department of Chemistry, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. M.Wainwright@UCLAN.ac.uk
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D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents