Photodynamic action of protoporphyrin IX derivatives on Trichophyton rubrum

BACKGROUND: Dermatophytes are filamentous keratinophilic fungi. Trichophyton rubrum is a prevalent infectious agent in tineas and other skin diseases. Drug therapy is considered to be limited in the treatment of such infections, mainly due to low accessibility of the drug to the tissue attacked and development of antifungal resistance in these microorganisms. In this context, Photodynamic Therapy is presented as an alternative. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate, in vitro, the photodynamic activity of four derivatives of Protoporphyrin IX by irradiation with LED 400 nm in T. rubrum. METHOD: Assays were subjected to irradiation by twelve cycles of ten minutes at five minute intervals. RESULT: Photodynamic action appeared as effective with total elimination of UFCs from the second irradiation cycle. CONCLUSION: Studies show that the photodynamic activity on Trichophyton rubrum relates to a suitable embodiment of the photosensitizer, which can be maximized by functionalization of peripheral groups of the porphyrinic ring.