Low Power He:Ne Laser Radiation in Killing Photosensitized Helicobacter pylori in Vitro

Abstract

Four photosensitizers were used to test inhibitory effect of Helicobacter pylori bacteria using
low power helium: neon red laser radiation. Biopsies were collected from 176 patients and H. pylori were
isolated, identified and bacterial suspension was prepared. Samples of this suspension were mixed with
various low concentrations of the test sensitizer. The mixture samples were exposed to different laser
radiation doses. The samples were then inoculated and the inhibition zones were studied and compared
with their analogues of control samples. The most effective sensitizer with optimum concentration and
irradiation dose was determined. Statistical analysis of results was performed. The sensitizers' toluidine
blue and the methylene blue with concentration of 100 mg/ml were able to produce the same effect of
complete killing when irradiation energy density 13 J/cm2. However, thionin and crystal violet sensitizers
when used with the same concentration and exposed to the same laser dose, showed minor inhibitory
effect. Irradiation of bacterial samples with absence of sensitizer or sensitized samples at the
concentrations employed with out laser radiation has no effect on H. pylori viability in all of the
experiments.