Treatment of resistant Candida albicans in oral lichen planus patients with low power laser

Oral lichen planus is a chronic
muco-cutaneous immunopathological disorder that commonly affects the oral mucosa. Candida albicans is the most common pathogen associated with oral candidiasis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 810 nm low power laser wavelength as an adjuvant in the treatment of
nystatin-resistant C.albicans in patients with oral lichen planus.

In this experimental study, 5 nystatin-resistant C.albicans were isolated from the oral cavity of patients with ulcerative lichen planus. Drug susceptibility testing was performed based on CLSI-M27-A3 and showed that these isolates were resistant to nystatin. The fungal suspension with a dilution of 0.5 McFarland was exposed to a diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm and a density energy of 20.38 j / cm2 with a time of 20 seconds. Then the results of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were recorded for each group. 

810 nm laser caused a significant reduction in nystatin-resistant C.albicans colonies (P<0.001). The MIC did not decrease significantly after the exposure. 

Laser irradiation reduces the number of nystatin-resistant C.albicans colonies. But this effect does not necessarily change the MIC. Dentists should be aware that in cases of resistant Candida strains, a low-power diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm can play a role in reducing colonies and responding better to standard treatment.