Inactivation of feline calicivirus using ultraviolet light-emitting diodes

Ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) with peak emission wavelengths of 265, 280 and 300 nm were applied for the inactivation of feline calicivirus (FCV) in water, and the results were compared to those derived with a common viral surrogate coliphage MS2. The fluence response profiles indicated that the log10-based inactivation rate constant of FCV was 0.113, 0.101 and 0.007 cm2 mJ-1 for the 265, 280 and 300 nm UV-LEDs, respectively, while that of MS2 was 0.034, 0.033 and 0.003 cm2 mJ-1 for the 265, 280 and 300 nm UV-LEDs, respectively. Namely, FCV was about two to three times more sensitive than MS2 to germicidal UV emissions adopted in this study, and the 265 nm and 280 nm UV-LEDs were particularly effective to inactivate FCV. Results of this study are to be a part of database on fluence response profiles of various microorganisms, which would foster the development of disinfection apparatuses equipped with UV-LEDs.