Can bacteria develop resistance to UV light?

Objectives: No-touch disinfection systems like xenon- or mercury-based ultraviolet (UV) are now commonly being used for hospital room disinfection. However, serial exposure to UV light can potentially lead to the development of bacterial resistance.

Does UV light affect bacterial growth?

Summary Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is known to inhibit cell growth and induce gene damage (1). For these reasons, UV radiation is used as a method to sterilize surgical instruments because it kills the bacteria present and disrupts bacterial reproduction (2).

How does ultraviolet light affect bacteria?

Ultraviolet light inactivates microorganisms by forming pyrimidine dimers in RNA and DNA, which can interfere with transcription and replication (Goosen and Moolenaar, 2008; Cutler and Zimmerman, 2011).

Why are some bacteria more resistant to UV light than others?

Spores are more resistant to UV light than other cells. Bacteria may possess enzyme systems, which locate and repair damaged DNA. UV light is blocked by glass or plastic, so it is only effective on the surface. UV light can increase the risk of skin cancer, so it should not be used to kill microbes on skin.

Can E coli grow under UV light?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is known to inhibit cell growth and induce gene damage (1). coli were exposed to UV light with a wavelength of 254 nm. The number of CFUs under control and UV-exposed conditions were measured after 24 and 48 hours.

Can E coli survive UV light?

Radiation at 265 nm in the UV region was most efficient in killing the E. coli cells and 100\% mortality was achieved at a dose of 1.17 log mJ/cm(2). In the visible spectrum, the radiation dosages required for a one-log reduction of the E. coli cell density at 458 and 488 nm were 5.5 and 6.9 log mJ/cm(2), respectively.

Is E coli resistant to UV radiation?

When UV light is experimentally used as a selective factor in E. coli, natural resistance to this agent is commonly increased, making this response an excellent model to study the kind and recurrence of genetic changes associated with the emergence of a particular phenotype.

Is E coli resistant to UV?