The use of porphyrins in photodynamic therapy of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a disease transmitted by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Numerous species are responsible for the infection in humans, resulting in three clinical phenotypes. The therapeutic drug availability for treatment of this endemic disease is still limited and presents several problems. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is presented as an alternative action for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Studies suggest that this therapy using porphyrins is relatively effective in the treatment of CL. However, data are still limited and PDT can not yet be recommended in clinical routine practice. Moreover, the mechanism of action of this promising therapy still needs to be investigated.