Control of Aspiration Pneumonia with Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy - A Novel Method of Preventing Oral Candidiasis

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K09894
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 57080:Social dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Kanagawa Dental College
• Principal Investigator: Yoshida Ayaka 神奈川歯科大学, 歯学部, 准教授 (00609414)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 抗菌光線力学療法 / 歯垢染色液色素 / Candida albicans

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Candida, an endemic fungus, is one of the causes of aspiration pneumonia in the elderly, and many cases recur even after treatment with antifungal agents. In order to develop a new fundamental treatment method, we investigated the application of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), which has recently been attracting attention in the treatment of periodontal disease.Irradiation of the dye, which is used as a dental plaque stain, showed bactericidal effects due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage to proteins. This study suggests the possibility of a new highly effective bactericidal treatment for Candida.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

これまで,口腔内の真菌に対する治療は口腔ケアと抗真菌薬の治療のみであった。今回の検討によりカンジダ菌に対する新規の殺菌効果の高い治療法の可能性が示唆された。このことから、新たな真菌治療に対するセルフケアアプローチの可能性が見出された。しかしながら本研究は基礎検討であることから今後臨床応用に向けたさらなる検討も必要である。