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Inactivation of Bacillus anthracis Spores on Surfaces with Ultraviolet Light Produced with a Low- Pressure Mercury Lamp or Light Emitting Diodes
Citation:
WOOD, J., J. Archer, V. K. RASTOGI, AND S. Hurst. Inactivation of Bacillus anthracis Spores on Surfaces with Ultraviolet Light Produced with a Low- Pressure Mercury Lamp or Light Emitting Diodes. 2021 EPA International Decontamination Research and Development Conference, N/A, NC, November 01 - 05, 2021.
Impact/Purpose:
This study may be useful in evaluating whether to decontaminate materials with UVC following a contamination incident with B. anthracis spores. These results may also inform the use of UVC for the inactivation of other spore-forming infectious disease agents
Description:
Aims: To obtain quantitative efficacy data of two ultraviolet light (UVC) technologies for surface inactivation of Bacillus anthracis Ames and Bacillus atrophaeus spores. Methods and Results: Spores were deposited onto test coupons and controls of four different materials, via liquid suspension or aerosol deposition. The test coupons were then exposed to UVC light from either a low-pressure mercury vapor lamp or a system comprised of light emitting diodes, with a range of dosages. Positive controls were held at ambient conditions and not exposed to UVC light. Following exposure to UVC, spores were recovered from the coupons and efficacy was quantified in terms of log10 reduction (LR) in the number of viable spores compared to that from positive controls. Conclusions: Decontamination efficacy varied by material and UVC dosage (efficacy up to 5?7 LR was demonstrated). There was no statistical difference in efficacy between the two species or between inoculation methods. Efficacy improved for the LED lamp at lower relative humidity, but this effect was not observed with the mercury vapor lamp. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study will be useful in determining whether UVC could be used for the inactivation of B. anthracis spores on different surface types.