Microbiology & Infection Control Overview

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to microbiology and infection control, focusing on bacterial classification, sterilization methods, and safety practices.

Gram Positive Bacteria

Purple-stained bacteria in a Gram Stain

Gram Negative Bacteria

Pink-stained bacteria on a gram stain that is more resistant to antibiotics.

Pleomorphic

Describing organisms that can alter their shape or size.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer that makes up the cell wall of many bacteria, providing structural support.

Glycocalyx

A thick layer of polysaccharides that surrounds bacterial cells, aiding in protection and adherence.

Sterilization

The process of killing bacteria including its endospores.

Disinfection

The process that reduces or inhibits bacterial growth but doesn’t kill the spores on different surfaces. Its exposure time is when its most effective.

Antisepsis

Chemical disinfection of the skin; a deeper clean than degerming. Example: Wiping skin with Alcohol before sticking for Phlebotomy.

Bacteriostatic

Agents that inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria without killing them.

Asepsis

The absence of pathogenic organisms; the complete removal of a pathogen, preventing it from entering the body.

De-germing

The mechanical cleansing of the skin. For example, washing the hands.

Sanitization

The process of reducing the number of pathogens to safe levels for public safety.

Autoclaving

A method of sterilization using steam and pressure, effective for killing bacteria and spores at 121 deg. C for 60minutes at 15psi

Pasteurization

A process that heats liquid foods to kill harmful bacteria without affecting taste or quality.

At what temperature is pasteurization is effective and how much time does it need to do so?

72 deg. C for 15 seconds

Filtration

A method for separating bacteria from liquids through a filter.

Deep freezing

A low-temperature method that eliminates bacterial cultures or inhibits bacterial growth by freezing at very low temperatures.

Gamma radiation

A method used to sterilize medical equipment by exposing it to high-energy radiation.

Proper formatting for typing bacterial names

The name should be typed in an italicized font with the Genus capitalized and species lower-cased.

Proper formatting for handwriting bacterial names

The names must be underlined instead of italicized.

Sterilization

The process of eliminating all microbial life, including resistant spores and virulence factors.

Disinfection

A process that reduces or inhibits bacterial growth on surfaces but does not kill all spores or viruses.

Recommended disinfectant exposure time

Surfaces should remain wet for approximately 3 to 5 minutes to be effective.

Antisepsis

The chemical disinfection of skin or mucous membranes.

Germicide

A substance that rapidly kills bacteria but does not destroy spores.

Bacteriostasis

A state or method that inhibits growth without killing the organism.

Asepsis

The total removal of pathogens from an object.

De-germing

The mechanical cleansing of skin to remove transient microbes, such as washing hands.

Sanitization

Reducing pathogens to safe levels through mechanical cleansing and chemicals, common in food service.

Moist heat sterilization

Killing bacteria by denaturing proteins via boiling or steam, typically requiring 10 minutes of exposure. Will sterilize when autoclaving.

Dry heat methods

Sterilization via direct flaming, incineration, or hot-air sterilization.

What are the 3 temperatures and times of when Dry Heat will be effective?

1. 171 deg. C for 1 hour 2. 160 deg. for 2 hours 3. 121 deg. C for 16 hours.

Hot Air Sterilization

A dry heat method that kills bacteria at 170^{\circ}C for 2 minutes.

Pasteurization

A method to kill pathogens in food at 72^{\circ}C for 15 seconds.

Filtration

The separation of bacteria from liquids by passing them through a screen or mesh filter.

Refrigeration

A cold bacteriostatic method that inhibits microbial growth without killing.

Lyophilization

A long-term storage technique involving freezing at <20^{\circ}C and drying in a high vacuum.

Desiccation

The removal of water to inhibit microbial growth with no temperature involved.

Radiation

The use of gamma rays, ionizing radiation, or UV light (non-ionizing) to disinfect.

Osmotic Pressure

A method used to inhibit or kill bacteria through Plasmolysis.

10\% Bleach (Clorox)

Considered the best and most common disinfectant for laboratory countertops and surfaces.

70\% Isopropyl Alcohol

The primary choice for a skin antiseptic.

Chlorhexidine

A chemical used for surgical scrubs that can be harsh on the skin.

Povidone Iodine

An antiseptic mixture of iodine and alcohol used for surgical scrubs.

Silver

A metal with bacteriostatic properties used to prevent Neisseria gonorrhea in children.