A NOVEL METHOD FOR MICROBIAL DEPLETION IN HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS USING ANTIMICROBIAL PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

摘要

Innovative treatment methods and devices are provided for attenuating/inactivating the pathogenic microbes found in biological fluids such as blood and blood products including human single-donor-fresh-frozen-plasma, platelet concentrate, red blood cells (RBC), blood clotting factors (e.g. factors V, VII, VII, IX, X and XIII). An Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy method is used to eliminate multiple (resistant) bacteria, viral agents, fungi, parasites and other undetected or non-easily detected pathogenic microbes or particles in blood and blood products without affecting their biological properties. The resistant bacteria are difficult to be eliminated. This is especially true in the case for S. aureus and related strains, Staphylococcus epidermidis or Propionibacterium acnes, Borrelia species and other bacteria found on skin Further embodiments of the present invention eliminate undetected or non-easily detected viral agents contaminating blood and blood products which are responsible for spreading hepatitis, Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other blood borne viral diseases. Human Immunodeficiency (HIV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses have recently emerged as major blood borne infections. Numerous parasites transmitted through bloods and derived products are also eliminated by these novel processes and devices.