Microbial Control Methods in Microbiology

These flashcards cover major concepts and key definitions related to microbial control methods discussed in BIOL 2260K: Microbiology for Allied Health Professions.

What are the common uses of sterilization?

Surgical instruments, syringes, commercially packaged food.

Define disinfection in the context of microbial control.

The destruction or removal of vegetative pathogens but not bacterial endospores, usually on inanimate objects.

What is antisepsis/degermation?

Chemicals applied to body surfaces to destroy or inhibit vegetative pathogens.

What is decontamination/sanitization?

The mechanical removal of most microbes, typically applied to inanimate objects.

Which microorganisms are more resistant to microbial control agents?

Prions, bacterial endospores, Mycobacterium, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, protozoan cysts.

What is the main focus of aseptic techniques in microbiology?

To prevent the entry of infectious agents into sterile tissues and prevent infection.

What is the term used to describe chemicals that inhibit bacterial growth?

Bacteriostatic.

What is the difference between bactericide and fungicide?

Bactericides destroy bacteria except for those in the endospore stage; fungicides kill fungal spores.

Identify two factors that affect the efficacy of disinfectants.

Presence of organic matter and the composition of the material being treated.

Describe the thermal death time (TDT).

The shortest length of time required to kill all microbes at a specified temperature.

What is lyophilization?

A method of preserving microorganisms in a viable state by freezing and drying them.

How does ionizing radiation function as a microbial control agent?

It sterilizes materials sensitive to heat or chemicals through high penetration power.

What are HEPA filters used for in microbial control?

To efficiently remove airborne contaminants in hospitals and sterile environments.

What is the role of hydrogen peroxide in microbial control?

It is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic, effective against a wide range of microbes.

What is the significance of the phenol coefficient?

It compares the effectiveness of disinfectants using phenol as a standardized reference.

Name an antimicrobial agent that is considered a heavy metal germicide.

Mercury or silver.

What is a key characteristic of cold as a microbial control method?

Cold slows the growth of microorganisms and is used during food processing and storage.

What are quaternary ammonium compounds effective against?

They act primarily against gram-positive bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

What is the primary limitation of using acids and alkalis as antimicrobial agents?

They can be corrosive, caustic, and hazardous.