This is an exploratory, single-center, open-label, single-arm study with microbiological endpoint using photobiomodulation (PBM) and topical disinfectants to determine the effect on the nasal microbiota.
The photobiomodulation system distributes about 700mW of light to each nostril using a 2-channel diode laser with non-thermal, red light. The topical disinfectants are methylene blue (0.01%) and chlorhexidine gluconate (0.25%). Following a pretreatment nasal culture, these two disinfectants will be administered into the patient's anterior nares followed by a two-minute light cycle. This process is repeated once more resulting in two treatments cycles (4-minutes total). Following this, nasal cultures are taken immediately and at 4-, 8-, 24-, and 48- hours. Broad spectrum and Staphylococcus spp. culturing of nasal swabs will be conducted. Swabs will also be submitted for Next Generation Sequencing to characterize the effect of light and disinfectants on the nasal microbiome.
