O emprego da terapia fotodinâmica na redução fúngica em Odontologia.

Abstract

Candida species are common fungi are usually found in the oral microflora and Candida albicans is the most prevalent and pathogenic species. These yeasts coexist with commensal or pathogenic bacteria, which represents an important virulence factor. Candida albicans has pathogenicity factors, which are evident when there is an immune compromised of the patient and this situation may cause localized infections and spread infections. Conventional treatment consists of the administration of topical or systemic antifungal medications, can cause recurrence of the fungal infection, then a supportive treatment is needed. Photodynamic therapy is proposed as a treatment adjunct to conventional therapy due to their efficiency of microbial reductionby combining a light source and a photosensitizing agent. Despite the benefits of this therapy, there is no photodynamic therapy protocol that is proven effective, safe and indicating significant benefits. This article aims to show a review of literature on the effect of photodynamic therapy in fungal species that can cause opportunistic infections.