Photodynamic Inactivation in the Control of Candida auris: Overcoming Resistance with Photodynamic Inactivation

Fungal infections, including Candida auris, are a growing threat, causing significant mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients. C. auris exhibits resistance to antifungals like amphotericin B and fluconazole and forms biofilms that reduce drug effectiveness. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI), which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) through light-activated photosensitizers, has shown potential in treating resistant fungal strains by damaging both yeast and hyphal forms, including biofilm-embedded cells. This study evaluated PDI's ability to enhance antifungal efficacy using low doses of amphotericin B and fluconazole. Results indicate that combining PDI with low-dose antifungals significantly improves antifungal effectiveness while reducing toxicity. High doses of antifungals can cause nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, especially in systemic infections. Integrating PDI with low-dose antifungals offers a promising strategy to overcome resistance and minimize adverse effects, providing a safer and more effective approach for treating systemic fungal infection