[Combined effect of visible light sensitized by chlorine e6 and streptomycin on the obligate pathogenic bacterium Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis].

Chlorine e6-sensitized photodamage of Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis (an obligate pathogen) in the presence of streptomycin was studied. The pathogen is highly resistant to photosensitization characteristic of other gram-negative bacteria. Marked synergism of the bactericidal effect of the chlorine e6-sensitized visible light and streptomycin on K. rhinoscleromatis was observed. It was suggested that the synergistic action was due to the oxidative damage of the cell membranes resulting in higher rates of the streptomycin penetration to the cells and impairment of the intracellular protective mechanisms at the molecular level. The findings are in favour of the further investigation aimed at the development of a comprehensive method of photo- and chemotherapy of scleroma.