Combination of photodynamic therapy with antibiotic therapy - future or misalliance?

Significance The growing antibiotic resistance of microorganisms is an increasingly important challenge for modern medicine. In the next few decades, the so-called post antibiotic era is likely to begin. For this reason, the search for new solutions using PACT seems particularly promising. Approach Four new chlorin compounds were tested and photochemically characterized for singlet oxygen generation efficiency and photostability. They have been evaluated for bactericidal properties against MRSA, E. coli (ESBL+) and C. albicans. Their synergism with antibiotics from the group of cephalosporins and carbapenems was evaluated. Results A reduction of approximately 3 logs or more was achieved for each of the bacterial strains. A decrease in MIC values was observed for all bacteria, the greatest for ceftriaxone. Conclusions Combining traditional antibiotic therapy with PACT may be a promising route in the case of antibiotic-resistant infections, but requires further in-depth research.