Photoreactivation of Escherichia coli and Yersinia enterolytica after Irradiation with a 222 nm Excimer Lamp Compared to a 254 nm Low‐pressure Mercury Lamp

Photoreactivation of Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 and Yersinia enterolytica ATCC 4780 after irradiation with a 222 nm krypton‐chloride excimer lamp compared to a 254 nm mercury lamp was investigated under laboratory conditions. The bacteria samples were irradiated each with different doses of both wavelengths. After irradiation one sample of the bacteria was illuminated with fluorescent light, the other sample was stored in darkness to prevent photoreactivation. The inactivation curves were determined. Without photoreactivation, an irradiation of 69 J/m² at 254 nm was sufficient for a 4 log reduction for E. coli, and only 59 J/m² for Y. enterolytica. To get a 4 log reduction with following photoreactivation, 182 J/m² were necessary for E. coli and 180 J/m² for Y. enterolytica. After irradiation with the 222 nm excimer lamp the ratios were different. Without photoreactivation, an irradiation of 106 J/m² at 222 nm was sufficient for a 4 log reduction for E. coli and 88 J/m² for Y. enterolytica. With photoreactivation 161 J/m² were necessary for E. coli to get a 4 log reduction and 117 J/m² for Y. enterolytica. When the photoreactivation after irradiation is excluded, the mercury lamp with 254 nm clearly shows better results regarding inactivation. Whereas, when included, the excimer lamp with 222 nm wavelength obviously shows better results.