Investigating application of PDT for Mucormycosis: A Novel Adjunctive Treatment for Deep-Seated Fungal Infections

Mucormycosis is a life-threatening, angio-invasive fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality. Standard treatments, including antifungal therapy and surgical debridement, often fail to achieve complete fungal eradication. This study explores photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a potential adjunctive treatment to enhance therapeutic outcomes. We are evaluating the antifungal effects of three photosensitizers—methylene blue, curcumin, and indocyanine green—activated by a light source on ex vivo human skin samples inoculated with mucormycosis. These photosensitizers were selected for their distinct light absorption spectra and tissue penetration capabilities. Preliminary findings suggest PDT’s effectiveness in reducing fungal burden. Ongoing data collection will validate these outcomes and provide a comparison of the efficacy of each photosensitizer. This study underscores the potential of PDT as an adjunctive treatment for mucormycosis, laying the foundation as a complementary strategy in clinical practice.