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.

Microbiologist

A scientist who studies microscopic organisms, including bacteria.

Coccus

A spherical-shaped bacterium.

Bacillus

A rod-shaped bacterium.

Gram Positive

Bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method.

Gram Negative

Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain and are typically 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 destroying all forms of microbial life, including spores.

Disinfection

The process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores.

Antisepsis

Chemical disinfection practices applied to living tissues to reduce the possibility of infection.

Bacteriostatic

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

Asepsis

The absence of pathogenic organisms; a condition of sterile practices.

De-germing

The mechanical removal of transient microbes from the skin.

Sanitization

The process of reducing the number of pathogens to safe levels.

Autoclaving

A method of sterilization using steam and pressure, effective for killing bacteria and spores.

Pasteurization

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

Filtration

A method for separating bacteria from liquids through a filter.

Deep freezing

A storage method that preserves bacterial cultures 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 written in an italicized font.

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.

Autoclaving

A method using high heat and pressure for 15 minutes to kill all life forms, including endospores.

Dry heat methods

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

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.

Deep freezing

A cold preservation method for bacterial cultures, often using glycerol.

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.

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.