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Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy

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In photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT), a combination of a photoresponsive agent and visible light causes selective destruction of microbial cells such as bacteria, fungi and viruses (Dougherty et al., 1998; Kalka et al., 2000; Konan et al., 2002). A number of studies have shown PACT to be highly effective in the in vitro destruction of viruses and protozoa, as well as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The ability of visible light-photosensitising agent combinations to kill microorganisms has been known for over 100 years. PACT is an abbreviation and scientific term that stands for Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy. Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT) has been used effectively in medicine since the 1990s for the treatment of tumours, skin diseases and wound infections. The fungal cells, unlike human cells possess a cell wall. This cell wall is stained with a special photosensitizing gel-dye that is harmless to human cells but selectively makes fungi sensitive to a specific wavelength of light and means the bacteria and nail fungus is destroyed. PACT is used as an effective…show more content…
First, a light-sensitive drug is given. For skin cancers, it may be a cream. For internal cancers, it may be an injection into a vein, or rarely a drink. You then wait a few hours to a few days before the next step. This allows time for the drug to concentrate in the cancer cells. Next, a special light (usually a laser) is shone onto the cancer. The light activates the drug to treat the tumour. If the cancer is internal, an ultrasound or scan may be used to guide the light source to the tumour. The side effects can vary depending on where treatment is given, what drugs are used, and how you react. You may become sensitive to light for a time, and will need to take care in the sun, or other bright
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