Efficacy and safety of ultraviolet C therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is a globally prevalent gastrointestinal pathogen and a major etiological agent in various digestive tract disorders. Ultra violet C (UVC) light represents a promising physical modality for the treatment of Hp infection, owing to its capacity for non-invasive endoscopic delivery to eradicate the bacterium within the gastric environment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of UVC-LED (254/265/275 nm) in the treatment of Hp, both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: The bactericidal effect of UVC-LED irradiation against H. pylori was assessed in vitro and in an animal infection model. Gastric tissue damage and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated via H&E, γ-H2AX, TUNEL staining and digestive function of the stomach. RESULTS: UVC-LEDs emitting at 254, 265, and 275 nm exhibited significant anti-H. pylori activity. However, a clear divergence in safety profiles was observed. The 275 nm wavelength achieved substantial bacterial load reduction while inducing minimal DNA damage and cellular apoptosis, as evidenced by significantly lower levels of γ-H2AX and TUNEL positivity compared to the 254 nm and 265 nm group at the critical 1-day and 3-day timepoints (p < 0.05). Histological analysis confirmed that this attenuated cellular damage correlated with preserved mucosal architecture in the 275 nm treatment group. Furthermore, none of the three wavelengths showed any significant adverse impact on gastric digestive function. CONCLUSIONS: The 275 nm UVC-LED emerges as an effective and tissue-compatible physical therapy for H. pylori infection, combining robust bactericidal activity with enhanced mucosal safety. This modality shows promise as a novel complementary approach to conventional antibiotic-based regimens.