In vitro bactericidal effects of near-ultraviolet light from light-emitting diodes on Helicobacter pylori

Scand J Gastroenterol. 2013 Dec;48(12):1484-6. doi: 10.3109/00365521.2013.837953. Epub 2013 Sep 25.

Abstract

We investigated whether near-ultraviolet light emitted from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) effects Helicobacter pylori viability and whether this new method can potentially apply to eradication therapy. Three H. pylori strains were used for near-ultraviolet (UV) LED irradiation experiments. Viability of isolates exposed to near-UV light was compared with controls by counting colony forming units. A time-dependent bactericidal effect of near-UV light was definitely observed. LED irradiation with near-UV light showed effective bactericidal activity against H. pylori strains. Eradication therapy with LED might provide a new avenue of treatment in patients refractory to eradication due to antibiotic resistance and/or adverse effects of antibiotics.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Helicobacter pylori / growth & development
  • Helicobacter pylori / radiation effects*
  • Microbial Viability / radiation effects*
  • Ultraviolet Rays*