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Shining light on multi-drug resistant Candida auris: ultraviolet-C disinfection, wavelength sensitivity, and prevention of biofilm formation of an emerging yeast pathogen
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  • Richard Mariita,
  • James Davis,
  • Michelle Lottridge,
  • Rajul Randive
Richard Mariita
Crystal IS Inc., an Asahi Kasei company

Corresponding Author:richard.mariita@cisuvc.com

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James Davis
Crystal IS Inc., an Asahi Kasei company
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Michelle Lottridge
Crystal IS Inc., an Asahi Kasei company
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Rajul Randive
Crystal IS Inc., an Asahi Kasei company
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Abstract

Background: Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen of worldwide interest. It is associated with high mortality rates and exhibits increased resistance to antifungals. Ultraviolet-C (UVC) light can be used to disinfect surfaces to mitigate its spread. In this study, we analyzed the performance of different UVC wavelengths against C. auris to determine its wavelength sensitivity and UVC dose requirements and evaluated biofilm prevention dose requirements on most used materials in healthcare settings. Objectives: 1. To investigate UVC disinfection performances and wavelength sensitivity of C. auris; 2. To evaluate the UVC dose required for prevention of biofilm prevention on stainless steel. Methods: C. auris was grown following standard procedures. The study utilized six different UVC LED arrays with wavelengths between 252 and 280 nm. Arrays were set at similar intensities, to obtain doses of 5-40 mJcm-2 and similar irradiation time. Disinfection performance for each array was determined using log reduction value (LRV) and percentage reduction by comparing the controls against the irradiated treatments. Evaluation of the ability of 267 nm UVC LEDs to prevent C. auris biofilm formation was investigated using stainless steel, plastic coupons, and poly-cotton fabric. Results: Peak sensitivity to UVC disinfection was between 267 and 270 nm. With 20 mJcm-2, the study obtained LRV 3. On steel coupons, 30 mJcm-2 was sufficient to prevent biofilm formation, on plastic only 10 mJcm-2. A dose of 60 mJcm-2 reduced biofilms on poly-cotton fabric significantly. Conclusions: Results revealed that C. auris was most susceptible at 267-270 nm. Additional highlights from the study allow for the design and implementation of disinfection systems.
19 Oct 2021Submitted to MicrobiologyOpen
20 Oct 2021Submission Checks Completed
20 Oct 2021Assigned to Editor
21 Oct 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
25 Oct 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Oct 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
07 Dec 20211st Revision Received
08 Dec 2021Assigned to Editor
08 Dec 2021Submission Checks Completed
08 Dec 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Dec 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
08 Dec 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
13 Dec 20212nd Revision Received
13 Dec 2021Assigned to Editor
13 Dec 2021Submission Checks Completed
13 Dec 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
13 Dec 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Feb 2022Published in MicrobiologyOpen volume 11 issue 1. 10.1002/mbo3.1261