Ultraviolet Radiation – C in decontamination of organ during hypothermic perfusion

Bacterial properties of 254nm (ultraviolet-C) have been explored in organ decontamination ex vivo during hypothermic perfusion for Staphylococcus aureus , a disseminated gram-positive pathogen. By combining Ps80%+UV-C, full reduction (perfusate) and 2-log reduction (macerate) are achieved. Our aim is to verify these results for Escherichia coli , a common gram-negative urinary pathogen. E. coli (ATCC25922) strain was used to contaminate porcine kidneys ex vivo . After harvesting, the kidneys were cannulated and perfused with a UV-C decontamination system, and 10% PS80 was added to HTK solution for 4 h. During and after experimentation, samples were collected for analysis. Results indicate no bacterial growth in samples collected after 70 min of UV-C irradiation whereas growth was consistent with initial inoculated load for control groups. Kidney macerate revealed a 99% reduction in bacterial load compared to control. This study verified the effectiveness of the decontamination process for E. coli.