|  | Public Health Safety | Food Safety

What Types of Bacteria Do UV Lights Destroy?

Ultraviolet (UV) light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths between 100 nanometers (nm) and 400 nm. It is generated by either sunlight or artificial sources. UV light is an antibacterial because it is capable of damaging the DNA genetic material inside the bacteria. UV light affects most types of bacteria, although the dose required for control can vary.

  1. Lactococcus lactis

    • Lactococcus lactis is an important bacterium for the production of many types of cheese, including cheddar and brie. L. lactis is under consideration to be the official microbe of the state of Wisconsin. L. lactis is commonly found on grasses, is often present in milk and other dairy products and is not normally present in the human body.

    Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis

    • Staph infections caused by S. epidermidis are an increasing risk in hospitals.

      The most common bacteria behind the staph infections, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria can colonize the human sinuses, skin and gastrointestinal tracts. S. epidermidis is a common human pathogen in hospital environments, and UV light is increasingly used as an antibacterial agent against this microbe. One strain of Staphylococcus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is a dangerous pathogen to humans, since it is resistant to nearly all antibiotics.

    Escherichia coli

    • Improper food handling can allow dangerous strains of E. coli into the food supply.

      Commonly known as E. coli, this class of bacteria usually colonizes the human gastrointestinal system within 48 hours of birth. Their roles within the human digestive process are not well understood, but scientists believe that many strains of E. coli are beneficial organisms that aid digestion. However, certain strains of E. coli are pathogenic to humans, and cause neonatal meningitis and infections of the urinary tract and gastrointestinal track. At its most severe, a pathogenic E. coli infection can be fatal.

    Mycobacterium tuberculosis

    • UV light is commonly used to inhibit the spread of M. tuberculosis bacteria.

      Tuberculosis is the most common bacterial disease in the world. Spread through spittle and saliva from an infected person, tuberculosis is easily transmitted between humans, especially those with compromised immune systems. M. tuberculosis is a robust microbe and can survive a variety of environmental stresses. The bacterium is also resistant to many common antibiotics and regularly evolves resistance to new treatments. UV light has been shown to destroy M. tuberculosis, and is increasingly used for this purpose in hospitals, operating theaters and ambulances.

Food Safety - Related Articles