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BMC Oral Health
Published in: BMC Oral Health 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Streptococci | Research

Evaluation of bactericidal effects of ultraviolet light C irradiation on cariogenic bacteria: An in vitro study

Authors: Moayyad Alharbi, Fahad Bakitian, Ali Alenezi

Published in: BMC Oral Health | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Backgrounds

Ultraviolet light C (UVL-C) irradiation has demonstrated an antimicrobial action against various pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the bactericidal effect of UVL-C irradiation against cariogenic oral bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) in single layers and colonies grown on solid surfaces.

Methods

Two different experiments were performed. In the first experiment, a single layer of Streptococcus mutans bacteria on agar plates was exposed to UVL-C irradiation at energies from 0 to 21 mWs/cm2. The second experiment was conducted to inhibit viability of bacterial colonies on solid surfaces. The samples were derived from saliva from a patient where bacteria were grown on plastic strips and then exposed to UVL-C. The highest energy was 1050 mWs/cm2.

Results

Exposure to 21 mWs/cm2 was bactericidal in single layers of Streptococcus mutans. The result for bacterial colonies on solid surfaces indicated only a bacteriostatic effect, even at energies of 1050 mWs/cm2.

Conclusions

Ultraviolet light C exhibits bactericidal effects on single layers of Streptococcus mutans but has a limited effect on bacterial colonies in a biofilm. It is a matter of debate whether these in vitro results would have the same effect in clinical setting.
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Metadata
Title
Evaluation of bactericidal effects of ultraviolet light C irradiation on cariogenic bacteria: An in vitro study
Authors
Moayyad Alharbi
Fahad Bakitian
Ali Alenezi
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Oral Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6831
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-021-01767-x

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