12 Chemical Control of Microbial Growth

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the chemical control of microbial growth, definitions, and various methods used in microbial control.

Microbial Control

The process of eliminating or controlling microbial growth to prevent the spread of human diseases.

Transient Flora

Bacteria that can be removed from skin or surfaces, as opposed to normal flora.

Disinfection

The process of reducing or destroying microbial load on inanimate objects through physical or antimicrobial chemical methods.

Sanitization

Reduces microbial load on inanimate objects to a safe level using heat or antimicrobial chemicals.

Sterilization

Completely eliminates all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses from an inanimate object.

Antisepsis

The process of reducing or eliminating microbial load on living tissues through an antimicrobial chemical.

Degerming

Reduces microbial load on skin or tissue through scrubbing and mild chemicals.

Zone of Inhibition (ZOI)

The clear area around an antibiotic disc on an agar plate where bacteria cannot grow, indicating the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agent.

Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion Method

A method for testing the effectiveness of disinfectants, antiseptics, and antibiotics by measuring the zone of inhibition.

Heavy Metals

Chemicals like mercury and zinc that bind proteins and inhibit their enzymatic activity.

Halogens

Elements like chlorine and iodine that oxidize cellular components.

Alcohols

Chemical agents like ethyl alcohol that denature proteins and disrupt cell membranes.

Surfactants

Agents like soap and detergents that help mechanically carry away microbes.

Phenolics

Disinfectants that denature proteins, commonly found in mouthwash and household cleaners.

In-Use Test

A procedure to check the contamination of disinfectant solutions by incubating it and analyzing microbial growth.