Bactericidal effects of high-energy visible light on common otitis media pathogens

Aims This study assessed the use of high-energy, visible light on the survival rates of three bacteria commonly found in middle ear infections (i.e., otitis media; Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus influenzae). Method and results Bacteria were cultured and then subjected to a single, four-hour treatment of 405 nm wavelength light at two different intensities. All three bacteria species were susceptible to the light at clinically significant rates (>99.9% reduction). Bacteria were susceptible to the HEV light in a dose-dependent manner (lower survival rates with increased intensity and duration of exposure). Conclusions The results suggest that high-energy visible light may provide a non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical approach to the therapeutic treatment of otitis media. Significance and impact of the study Given the growing concerns surrounding antibiotic resistance, this study demonstrates a rapid, alternative method for effective inactivation of bacterial pathogens partly responsible for instances of otitis media.