Microorganism library

Not all germs are equal under UV-C

The same lamp can wipe out one organism in an instant and barely dent another. What decides it is the organism's shape and shell — and that sets the UV dose you need. Here's the full peer-reviewed catalogue, in plain words with the numbers next to them.

New here? Start with how UV cleans without chemicals · what “dose” & “log” mean

Medium
Family

Viruses

51
Adenovirus Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Icosahedral capsid (UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
45.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
182 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Beck et al. 2014 · 254 nm
Adenovirus type 2 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Icosahedral capsid (UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
40 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
160 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Gerba 2002
Adenovirus type 2 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Icosahedral capsid (UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
27.6 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
110.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Ballester 2004
Adenovirus type 2 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Icosahedral capsid (UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
30 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
120 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Shin 2005
Adenovirus type 2 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Icosahedral capsid (UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
53.3 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
213.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Linden et al. 2007
Adenovirus type 2 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Icosahedral capsid (UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
15 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
60 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Linden et al. 2007
Adenovirus type 2 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Icosahedral capsid (UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
22.6 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
90.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Beck et al. 2014 · 220 nm
Adenovirus type 40 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Icosahedral capsid (UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
30 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
120 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Linden et al. 2007 · 254 nm
Adenovirus type 5 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Icosahedral capsid (UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
40 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
160 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Linden et al. 2007 · 254 nm
Bakteriophage T1 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4.3 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Beck et al. 2015 · 254 nm
Bakteriophage T4 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Bohrerova et al. 2008 · 254 nm
Bakteriophage T7 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.7 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Bowker et al. 2011 · 254 nm
Coxsackievirus Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
9.5 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Gerba et al. 2002 · 254 nm
Feline Calicivirus Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
5.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Thurston-Enriquez et al. 2003 · 254 nm
Hepatitis A virus Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
9.8 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
39.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wilson 1992
Hepatitis A virus Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
16 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Battigelli 1993
Hepatitis A virus Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
9.2 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
36.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wang 1995
Hepatitis A virus Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
30.7 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
122.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Nuanualsuwan 2002
Hepatitis A virus Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
18 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wang 2004
Humanes Norovirus Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid (UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3.7 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
14.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wigginton et al. 2020 · 254 nm
Infectious Salmon Anaemia Virus (ISAV) Virus · enveloped
Easy to kill

Enveloped virus

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.5 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Liltved et al. 2006 · 254 nm
Influenza A Virus · enveloped
Easy to kill

Envelope + HA/NA spikes (UV-sensitive)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
12 mJ/cm²
Medium
Air
McDevitt et al. 2012 · 254 nm
MS2 Coliphage Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
17.3 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
69.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wilson 1992
MS2 Coliphage Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
16 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Weidenmann 1993
MS2 Coliphage Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
13.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
54 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Tree 1997
MS2 Coliphage Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
19.3 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
77.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Sommer 1998
MS2 Coliphage Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
42.7 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
170.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Sommer 2001
MS2 Coliphage Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
27.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
110 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Thurston-Enriquez 2003
MS2 Coliphage Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
29.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
118 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Ko 2005
MS2 Coliphage Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
41.9 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
167.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Mamane-Gravetz 2005
MS2 Coliphage Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
20 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
80 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
USEPA UVDGM 2006 · 254 nm
MS2 Coliphage Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
36.8 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
147.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Templeton 2006
MS2 Coliphage Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
14.3 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
57.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Beck et al. 2016 · 260 nm
MS2 Coliphage Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4.9 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
19.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Beck et al. 2016 · 220 nm
Murines Norovirus Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid (UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
7.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
30 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Ko et al. 2008 · 254 nm
Norovirus Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid (UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
15 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
60 mJ/cm²
Medium
Air
Thurston-Enriquez et al. 2003 · 254 nm
Poliovirus type 1 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Picornavirus (very small, naked)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
7.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Chang et al. 1985 · 254 nm
Poliovirus type 1 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Picornavirus (very small, naked)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
7.2 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
28.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wilson 1992
Poliovirus type 1 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Picornavirus (very small, naked)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
12.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
50 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Oppenheimer 1997
Poliovirus type 1 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Picornavirus (very small, naked)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
10 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
40 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Thompson 2003
Poliovirus type 1 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Picornavirus (very small, naked)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
7.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
30 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Shin 2005
Rotavirus OSU Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Double capsid (very UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
18 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Ye et al. 2020 · 220 nm
Rotavirus OSU Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Double capsid (very UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
11.1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
44.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Ye et al. 2020 · 254 nm
Rotavirus SA11 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Double capsid (very UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Chang et al. 1985 · 254 nm
Rotavirus SA11 Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Double capsid (very UV-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
29.1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
116.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Sommer et al. 2009 · 254 nm
SARS-CoV-2 Virus · enveloped
Easy to kill

Lipid envelope, spike protein

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Air
Bianco et al. 2020 · 254 nm
SARS-CoV-2 Virus · enveloped
Easy to kill

Lipid envelope, spike protein

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.8 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
7.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Vila et al. 2021 · 265 nm
SARS-CoV-2 Virus · enveloped
Easy to kill

Lipid envelope, spike protein

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.24 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
4.96 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Vila et al. 2021 · 268 nm
SARS-CoV-2 Virus · enveloped
Easy to kill

Lipid envelope, spike protein

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
0.45 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
1.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Hessling et al. 2022 · 222 nm
SARS-CoV-2 Virus · enveloped
Easy to kill

Lipid envelope, spike protein

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
0.48 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
1.92 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Li et al. 2023 · 254 nm
φX174 (Coliphage PhiX174) Virus · naked capsid
Hard to kill

Naked capsid

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
5 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Hessling et al. 2023 · 254 nm

Bacteria

74
Aeromonas salmonicida Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
5.9 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Liltved & Landfald 1996 · 254 nm
Bacillus subtilis Bacterial endospore
Extremely hard

Bacterium in endospore form: multilayer coat + DPA-calcium complex + dehydrated genome. ~100× more resistant than the active cell.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
22 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
88 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Sommer 1998
Bacillus subtilis Bacterial endospore
Extremely hard

Bacterium in endospore form: multilayer coat + DPA-calcium complex + dehydrated genome. ~100× more resistant than the active cell.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
19.9 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
79.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Sommer 1999
Bacillus subtilis Bacterial endospore
Extremely hard

Bacterium in endospore form: multilayer coat + DPA-calcium complex + dehydrated genome. ~100× more resistant than the active cell.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
16.1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
64.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Hoyer 2000
Bacillus subtilis Bacterial endospore
Extremely hard

Bacterium in endospore form: multilayer coat + DPA-calcium complex + dehydrated genome. ~100× more resistant than the active cell.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
25 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
100 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Nicholson 2003
Bacillus subtilis Bacterial endospore
Extremely hard

Bacterium in endospore form: multilayer coat + DPA-calcium complex + dehydrated genome. ~100× more resistant than the active cell.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
8 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
32 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
DeGuchi 2005
Bacillus subtilis Bacterial endospore
Extremely hard

Bacterium in endospore form: multilayer coat + DPA-calcium complex + dehydrated genome. ~100× more resistant than the active cell.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
15.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
62 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Mamane-Gravetz 2005
Bacillus subtilis Bacterial endospore
Extremely hard

Bacterium in endospore form: multilayer coat + DPA-calcium complex + dehydrated genome. ~100× more resistant than the active cell.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
10.1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
40.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Hijnen et al. 2006 · 254 nm
Bacillus subtilis Bacterial endospore
Extremely hard

Bacterium in endospore form: multilayer coat + DPA-calcium complex + dehydrated genome. ~100× more resistant than the active cell.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
10.8 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
43.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Oguma et al. 2010 · 222 nm
Bacillus subtilis Bacterial endospore
Extremely hard

Bacterium in endospore form: multilayer coat + DPA-calcium complex + dehydrated genome. ~100× more resistant than the active cell.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
435 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
1740 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Oguma et al. 2010 · 172 nm
Bacillus subtilis spores Bacterial endospore
Extremely hard

Bacterium in endospore form: multilayer coat + DPA-calcium complex + dehydrated genome. ~100× more resistant than the active cell.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
12 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Chang et al. 1985 · 254 nm
Bacillus subtilis spores Bacterial endospore
Extremely hard

Bacterium in endospore form: multilayer coat + DPA-calcium complex + dehydrated genome. ~100× more resistant than the active cell.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
22 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
88 mJ/cm²
Medium
Air
Kowalski 2009 · 254 nm
Brucella melitensis Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.8 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
10.3 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Rose & O'Connell 2009 · 254 nm
Brucella suis Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.7 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
10.5 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Rose & O'Connell 2009 · 254 nm
Burkholderia mallei Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
5.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Rose & O'Connell 2009 · 254 nm
Burkholderia pseudomallei Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.7 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
7.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Rose & O'Connell 2009 · 254 nm
Campylobacter jejuni Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Spiral rod

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.1 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wilson et al. 1992 · 254 nm
Campylobacter jejuni Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Spiral rod

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
6.8 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
27.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Moazzami et al. 2021 · 265 nm
Campylobacter jejuni Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Spiral rod

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.8 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
7.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Soro et al. 2021 · 280 nm
Clostridioides difficile spores Bacterial endospore
Extremely hard

Bacterial endospore

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
384 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
1536 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Asma et al. 2024 · 254 nm
Corynebacterium diphtheriae Bacterium · Gram⁺ rod
Easy to kill

Club-shaped Gram⁺ rod (diphtheria)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Sharp 1939 · 254 nm
E. coli Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Chang et al. 1985 · 254 nm
E. coli Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Oguma 2001
E. coli Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3.4 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
13.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Kim 2002
E. coli Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4.7 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
18.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Kim 2002
E. coli Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Quek 2008
E. coli Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.4 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
5.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Coohill & Sagripanti 2008 · 254 nm
E. coli Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Vermeulen et al. 2008 · 265 nm
E. coli Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
10 mJ/cm²
Medium
Air
Kowalski 2009 · 254 nm
E. coli Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
10 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Bintsis et al. 2017 · 280 nm
E. coli Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
0.7 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
2.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Rodríguez-Chueca et al. 2022 · 268 nm
E. coli Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Rodríguez-Chueca et al. 2022 · 279 nm
E. coli Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Knobling et al. 2023 · 279 nm
E. coli O157:H7 Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Classic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Yaun et al. 2003 · 254 nm
Enterococcus faecalis Bacterium · Gram⁺ cocci
Moderate

Gut cocci (hospital-acquired)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Chang et al. 1985 · 254 nm
Francisella tularensis Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.3 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
6.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Rose & O'Connell 2009 · 254 nm
Helicobacter pylori Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
7.5 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Hayes et al. 2006 · 254 nm
Klebsiella terrigena Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wilson et al. 1992 · 254 nm
Legionella longbeachae Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Water-borne rod (Legionnaires’ disease)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.4 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
6.3 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Cerveró-Aragó et al. 2014 · 254 nm
Legionella pneumophila Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Water-borne rod (Legionnaires’ disease)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
10 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wilson 1992
Legionella pneumophila Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Water-borne rod (Legionnaires’ disease)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.9 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
7.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Oguma 2004
Legionella pneumophila Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Water-borne rod (Legionnaires’ disease)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.6 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
6.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Oguma 2004
Legionella pneumophila Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Water-borne rod (Legionnaires’ disease)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
19 mJ/cm²
Medium
Air
Kowalski 2009 · 254 nm
Legionella pneumophila Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Water-borne rod (Legionnaires’ disease)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.7 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
5.7 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Cerveró-Aragó et al. 2014 · 254 nm
Legionella pneumophila Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Water-borne rod (Legionnaires’ disease)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
6 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
24 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Oh et al. 2024 · 280 nm
Legionella pneumophila Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Water-borne rod (Legionnaires’ disease)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.8 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
7.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Oh et al. 2024 · 255 nm
Legionella pneumophila Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Water-borne rod (Legionnaires’ disease)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.7 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
6.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Oh et al. 2024 · 265 nm
Leptospira interrogans (Serovar Pomona) Filamentous / actinomycetes
Moderate

Spirochete (long, thin spiral)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
0.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Stamm & Charon 1988 · 254 nm
Listeria monocytogenes Bacterium · Gram⁺ rod
Easy to kill

Gram⁺ rod (cold-tolerant, food-borne)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.2 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
4.1 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Collins 1971 · 254 nm
Listeria monocytogenes Bacterium · Gram⁺ rod
Easy to kill

Gram⁺ rod (cold-tolerant, food-borne)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.3 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
5.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Sommers et al. 2009 · 254 nm
Listeria monocytogenes Bacterium · Gram⁺ rod
Easy to kill

Gram⁺ rod (cold-tolerant, food-borne)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.2 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
8.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Pérez-Rodríguez et al. 2023 · 280 nm
Listeria monocytogenes Bacterium · Gram⁺ rod
Easy to kill

Gram⁺ rod (cold-tolerant, food-borne)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
5.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Knobling et al. 2023 · 279 nm
Mycobacterium avium Bacterium · Gram⁺ rod
Easy to kill

Waxy, mycolic-acid-rich cell wall → slightly elevated UV-C resistance; additionally shielded in hot-water-system biofilms.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
5.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Hayes et al. 2008 · 254 nm
Mycobacterium terrae Bacterium · Gram⁺ rod
Easy to kill

Waxy, mycolic-acid-rich cell wall → slightly elevated UV-C resistance; additionally shielded in hot-water-system biofilms.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3.9 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Bohrerova & Linden 2006 · 254 nm
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Bacterium · Gram⁺ rod
Easy to kill

Waxy, mycolic-acid-rich cell wall → slightly elevated UV-C resistance; additionally shielded in hot-water-system biofilms.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
10 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
80 mJ/cm²
Medium
Air
Xu et al. 2003 · 254 nm
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Biofilm former (pyocyanin green-blue)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
5.5 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Chang et al. 1985 · 254 nm
Salmonella choleraesuis Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Food-borne rod

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3.6 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
14.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Blázquez et al. 2017 · 254 nm
Salmonella enteritidis Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Food-borne rod

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3.2 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
12.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Gayán et al. 2012 · 254 nm
Salmonella typhi Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Food-borne rod

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.1 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Chang et al. 1985 · 254 nm
Salmonella typhimurium Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Food-borne rod

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
0.9 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
3.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wilson 1992
Salmonella typhimurium Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Food-borne rod

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
18 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Gayán et al. 2012 · 254 nm
Salmonella Typhimurium Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Food-borne rod

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Chang et al. 1985 · 254 nm
Salmonella Typhimurium Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Food-borne rod

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.9 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
7.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Knobling et al. 2023 · 279 nm
Serratia marcescens Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Sharp 1939 · 254 nm
Shigella dysenteriae Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
0.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
2.5 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Hu et al. 2012 · 254 nm
Shigella sonnei Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Chang et al. 1985 · 254 nm
Staphylococcus aureus Bacterium · Gram⁺ cocci
Moderate

Grape-like cluster (golden)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
6.8 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
27.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Gayán et al. 2014 · 254 nm
Staphylococcus aureus Bacterium · Gram⁺ cocci
Moderate

Grape-like cluster (golden)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4.1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
16.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Knobling et al. 2023 · 280 nm
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Bacterium · Gram⁺ cocci
Moderate

Grape-like cluster (golden)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
15 mJ/cm²
Medium
Air
Kowalski 2009 · 254 nm
Streptococcus pyogenes Bacterium · Gram⁺ cocci
Moderate

Diplococci (pneumonia)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
11 mJ/cm²
Medium
Air
Kowalski 2009 · 254 nm
Vibrio anguillarum Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
0.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Liltved & Landfald 1996 · 254 nm
Vibrio cholerae Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Chang et al. 1985 · 254 nm
Yersinia enterocolitica Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
5.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Clauß et al. 2005 · 254 nm
Yersinia pestis Bacterium · Gram⁻ rod
Easy to kill

Generic rod bacterium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.4 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
4.9 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Rose & O'Connell 2009 · 254 nm

Molds & yeasts

44
Aspergillus brasiliensis (A. niger aggregate) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungus present as a conidium (spore): thick cell wall + melanin pigment absorb UV-C — up to 10× more resistant than active hyphae.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
413 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Dorbani et al. 2023 · 254 nm
Aspergillus flavus Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungus present as a conidium (spore): thick cell wall + melanin pigment absorb UV-C — up to 10× more resistant than active hyphae.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
35.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Sisti et al. 2017 · 254 nm
Aspergillus fumigatus Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial form with a pigmented wall. Clinically relevant — aspergillosis source in HVAC systems.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
30.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Sisti et al. 2017 · 254 nm
Aspergillus niger Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungus present as a conidium (spore): thick cell wall + melanin pigment absorb UV-C — up to 10× more resistant than active hyphae.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
75 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
300 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Gritz 1990
Aspergillus niger Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungus present as a conidium (spore): thick cell wall + melanin pigment absorb UV-C — up to 10× more resistant than active hyphae.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
31.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
126 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Kowalski 2001
Aspergillus niger Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungus present as a conidium (spore): thick cell wall + melanin pigment absorb UV-C — up to 10× more resistant than active hyphae.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
132 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
528 mJ/cm²
Medium
Air
Kowalski 2009 · 254 nm
Aspergillus niger Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungus present as a conidium (spore): thick cell wall + melanin pigment absorb UV-C — up to 10× more resistant than active hyphae.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
168.1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
672.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Begum 2009 · 254 nm
Aspergillus niger Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungus present as a conidium (spore): thick cell wall + melanin pigment absorb UV-C — up to 10× more resistant than active hyphae.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
125 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
500 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Taylor-Edmonds et al. 2015 · 254 nm
Aspergillus niger Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungus present as a conidium (spore): thick cell wall + melanin pigment absorb UV-C — up to 10× more resistant than active hyphae.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
43.1 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wan et al. 2020 · 254 nm
Aspergillus niger Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungus present as a conidium (spore): thick cell wall + melanin pigment absorb UV-C — up to 10× more resistant than active hyphae.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
133 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
532 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Yang et al. 2024 · 265 nm
Aspergillus parasiticus Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungus present as a conidium (spore): thick cell wall + melanin pigment absorb UV-C — up to 10× more resistant than active hyphae.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
183 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Byun et al. 2020 · 254 nm
Aspergillus terreus Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungus present as a conidium (spore): thick cell wall + melanin pigment absorb UV-C — up to 10× more resistant than active hyphae.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
13 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Sisti et al. 2017 · 254 nm
Aspergillus versicolor Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungus present as a conidium (spore): thick cell wall + melanin pigment absorb UV-C — up to 10× more resistant than active hyphae.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
28.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Sisti et al. 2017 · 254 nm
Botrytis cinerea (grey mould) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungal conidium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
26 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Marquenie et al. 2002 · 254 nm
Botrytis cinerea (grey mould) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungal conidium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
40.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Latorre et al. 2012 · 254 nm
Candida albicans Yeast · budding
Moderate

Budding yeast (thrush)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
75 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
300 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Gritz 1990
Candida albicans Yeast · budding
Moderate

Budding yeast (thrush)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
650 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
2600 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Enwemeka et al. 2014 · 420 nm
Candida albicans Yeast · budding
Moderate

Budding yeast (thrush)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
6.1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
24.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Enwemeka et al. 2014 · 254 nm
Candida auris Yeast · budding
Moderate

Budding yeast (thrush)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
13.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Lemons et al. 2020 · 254 nm
Cladosporium cladosporioides Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Heavily melanised conidium — one of the most UV-resistant mould spores.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
750 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Lee et al. 2022 · 254 nm
Eurotium rubrum (Aspergillus-glaucus-Gruppe) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungal conidium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
125.5 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Begum et al. 2009 · 254 nm
Fusarium oxysporum Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungal conidium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
38.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Asthana & Tuveson 1992 · 254 nm
Fusarium solani Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungal conidium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
34.9 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Asthana & Tuveson 1992 · 254 nm
Geotrichum candidum (machine mould) Filamentous / actinomycetes
Moderate

Filamentous form

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
17.3 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Menetrez et al. 2010 · 254 nm
Monilinia fructigena (brown rot) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungal conidium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
16 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Marquenie et al. 2002 · 254 nm
Penicillium chrysogenum Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial spore with moderate pigmentation. Building/equipment reservoir.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
82.7 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Menetrez et al. 2010 · 254 nm
Penicillium commune Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial spore with moderate pigmentation. Building/equipment reservoir.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
300 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Lee et al. 2022 · 254 nm
Penicillium corylophilum Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial spore with moderate pigmentation. Building/equipment reservoir.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
160 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Begum et al. 2009 · 254 nm
Penicillium digitatum (green mould) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial spore with moderate pigmentation. Building/equipment reservoir.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
40 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Asthana & Tuveson 1992 · 254 nm
Penicillium digitatum (green mould) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial spore with moderate pigmentation. Building/equipment reservoir.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
25.3 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Gündüz et al. 2015 · 254 nm
Penicillium expansum (blue mould) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial spore with moderate pigmentation. Building/equipment reservoir.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
66.7 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Syamaladevi et al. 2015 · 254 nm
Penicillium expansum (blue mould) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial spore with moderate pigmentation. Building/equipment reservoir.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
33.5 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Rios de Souza et al. 2019 · 277 nm
Penicillium italicum (citrus blue mould) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial spore with moderate pigmentation. Building/equipment reservoir.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
46.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Asthana & Tuveson 1992 · 254 nm
Penicillium italicum (citrus blue mould) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial spore with moderate pigmentation. Building/equipment reservoir.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
241 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Gündüz & Pazir 2013 · 254 nm
Penicillium multicolor Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial spore with moderate pigmentation. Building/equipment reservoir.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
49.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Saprykina et al. 2009 · 254 nm
Penicillium pinophilum Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial spore with moderate pigmentation. Building/equipment reservoir.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
117.7 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Watanabe et al. 2010 · 254 nm
Penicillium polonicum Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Conidial spore with moderate pigmentation. Building/equipment reservoir.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
27.1 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wan et al. 2020 · 254 nm
Rhizopus oryzae (bread mould) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungal conidium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
12.7 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Uyar & Uyar 2019 · 254 nm
Rhodotorula minuta (pink yeast) Yeast · budding
Moderate

Budding yeast

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
28.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Pereira et al. 2013 · 254 nm
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (pink yeast) Yeast · budding
Moderate

Budding yeast

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
38.5 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Pereira et al. 2013 · 254 nm
Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's / brewer's yeast) Yeast · budding
Moderate

Baker’s / brewer’s yeast

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
5.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Sommer et al. 1996 · 254 nm
Saccharomyces pastorianus (lager yeast) Yeast · budding
Moderate

Baker’s / brewer’s yeast

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Kim et al. 2017 · 266 nm
Stachybotrys chartarum (black mould) Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungal conidium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
572 mJ/cm²
Medium
Surface
Green et al. 2005 · 254 nm
Trichoderma harzianum Fungal conidium / mould spore
Hard to kill

Fungal conidium

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
30.1 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Wan et al. 2020 · 254 nm

Protozoa

20
Cryptosporidium hominis Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Oocyst with a thick wall — UV-sensitive, but chlorine- and ozone-resistant → UV is the preferred inactivation method.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Johnson et al. 2005 · 254 nm
Cryptosporidium parvum Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Oocyst with a thick wall — UV-sensitive, but chlorine- and ozone-resistant → UV is the preferred inactivation method.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Bukhari et al. 1999 · 254 nm
Cryptosporidium parvum Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Oocyst with a thick wall — UV-sensitive, but chlorine- and ozone-resistant → UV is the preferred inactivation method.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
20 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Craik 2001
Cryptosporidium parvum Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Oocyst with a thick wall — UV-sensitive, but chlorine- and ozone-resistant → UV is the preferred inactivation method.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Shin 2001
Cryptosporidium parvum Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Oocyst with a thick wall — UV-sensitive, but chlorine- and ozone-resistant → UV is the preferred inactivation method.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
0.7 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
2.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Oguma 2001
Cryptosporidium parvum Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Oocyst with a thick wall — UV-sensitive, but chlorine- and ozone-resistant → UV is the preferred inactivation method.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
0.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Morita 2002
Cryptosporidium parvum Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Oocyst with a thick wall — UV-sensitive, but chlorine- and ozone-resistant → UV is the preferred inactivation method.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Zimmer 2003
Cryptosporidium parvum Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Oocyst with a thick wall — UV-sensitive, but chlorine- and ozone-resistant → UV is the preferred inactivation method.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Bukhari 2004
Cryptosporidium parvum Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Oocyst with a thick wall — UV-sensitive, but chlorine- and ozone-resistant → UV is the preferred inactivation method.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.3 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
2.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Beck et al. 2015 · 254 nm
Cryptosporidium parvum Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Oocyst with a thick wall — UV-sensitive, but chlorine- and ozone-resistant → UV is the preferred inactivation method.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.4 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
5.6 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Matsubayashi et al. 2020 · 275 nm
Cryptosporidium parvum Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Oocyst with a thick wall — UV-sensitive, but chlorine- and ozone-resistant → UV is the preferred inactivation method.

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1.2 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
4.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Matsubayashi et al. 2020 · 268 nm
Giardia lamblia cysts Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Cyst (double-membrane wall)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
0.7 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
2.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Hayes 2000
Giardia lamblia cysts Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Cyst (double-membrane wall)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
10 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Craik et al. 2000 · 254 nm
Giardia lamblia cysts Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Cyst (double-membrane wall)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
1 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Craik 2001
Giardia lamblia cysts Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Cyst (double-membrane wall)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
5 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
20 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Campbell et al. 2002
Giardia lamblia cysts Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Cyst (double-membrane wall)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2.2 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
8.8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Campbell et al. 2002 · 254 nm
Giardia lamblia cysts Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Cyst (double-membrane wall)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
0.3 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
1.2 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Shin 2005
Giardia lamblia cysts Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Cyst (double-membrane wall)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
2 mJ/cm²
Dose for 99.99 % (4 log)
8 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Li 2007
Giardia muris Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Cyst (double-membrane wall)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
4.5 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Craik et al. 2000 · 254 nm
Toxoplasma gondii Protozoan cyst / oocyst
Easy to kill

Oocyst (cat definitive host, chlorine-resistant)

UV-C dose for 90 % (1 log)
3.4 mJ/cm²
Medium
Water
Ware et al. 2010 · 254 nm

189 peer-reviewed records —the dose figures are vendor-neutral reference values; the resistance ranking follows each organism's morphology class. Want the exact kill rate for your own setup? Open the UV simulator →