Photodynamic inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus with rose bengal

<p>Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) mediated by rose bengal (RB) and visible light was assessed for its effects on <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> viability and virulence. Experiments were performed using in vitro cultures, ex vivo systems, and a murine in vivo model. Treatment with RB followed by light exposure resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial viability and decreased expression and activity of staphylococcal enterotoxins. Transcriptomic and protein-level analyses indicated reduced superantigen-associated activity after aPDI treatment. Control conditions including RB without light and light without RB did not produce comparable effects, indicating that both components were required for antimicrobial and anti-virulence activity.</p>