Monochromatic Short-Wave UV Sensitivity of Pathogenic Bacteria

The study provides systematic data on the effect of monochromatic UV irradiation across the short-wave range (200‑400 nm) at 17 distinct wavelengths on the viability of pathogenic bacteria. It was found that each irradiated bacterial species exhibits an individual spectral profile of UV sensitivity. Bacterial viability characteristics were obtained, and UV sensitivity curves were constructed for nine pathogenic bacterial species. Of practical significance is the determination of bactericidal radiation doses required for pathogen inactivation. Furthermore, the constructed spectral UV sensitivity curves allow determining a narrow wavelength range and calculating the mutant-preventing irradiation dose for each pathogen. An individual UV sensitivity profile can be obtained for any unknown cultivable pathogen. The approach is recommended for testing of UV sensitivity of bacterial pathogens, because it enables the use of mild irradiation doses to eliminate both vegetative and persisting cells.