Antiviral properties of blue laser in an in vitro model of HSV-1 infection

Microbiol Immunol. 2018 May 11. doi: 10.1111/1348-0421.12600. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) is known to cause lifelong infections in humans. First infection is characterized by gingiva-stomatitis and pharyngitis, while virus reactivation causes recurrent herpes labialis with ulcerations on intraoral mucosa, mouth or external facial skin [1]. Laser therapy (LT), set at red and infrared wavelengths, has been reported as able to reduce HSV-1 recurrence and duration of herpetic sores [2]. Despite the blue wavelength already showed its efficacy in killing different strains of bacteria, it has never been tested on viruses [3].

Keywords: HSV-1; blue laser therapy; infection.

Publication types

  • Letter