Microbial Control and Chemotherapy

These flashcards cover key concepts related to microbial control methods, disinfection processes, antibiotic mechanisms, and infection control practices.

Cleaning

The process of removing visible soil and organic residues from surfaces; does not typically kill microorganisms.

Sanitization

A process that reduces viable numbers of microorganisms on clean surfaces but does not achieve sterility.

Disinfection

The removal of pathogens from surfaces or environments; involves killing or inactivating microorganisms.

Sterilization

A process that removes all forms of microbial life, including spores, ensuring nothing living is left.

Viable Count

A measure of living microorganisms detected on a surface or in a sample.

Germicide

An agent that kills microorganisms; can be classified as disinfectants or antiseptics.

Antiseptic

A disinfectant used on animate surfaces, such as skin.

Disinfectant

A chemical agent used to disinfect inanimate objects and surfaces.

Pasteurization

A process developed by Louis Pasteur that uses heat to kill pathogens in food and liquids without sterilization.

UV Light

A method of disinfection that uses ultraviolet radiation to damage DNA and proteins in microorganisms.

Beta-Lactams

A class of antibiotics that inhibit cell wall synthesis in bacteria; includes penicillin.

Antimicrobial Resistance

The ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of medications that once killed them or inhibited their growth.

Phage Therapy

A treatment method that uses bacteriophages to target and destroy bacteria.

Aseptic Technique

A procedure performed under sterile conditions to prevent contamination by pathogens.

HEPA Filter

A type of air filter that can trap 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns.

Chemical Disinfectants

Substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on surfaces; include alcohols, halogens, and phenols.

C. difficile

A pathogenic bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, often resistant to many antibiotics.

N95 Respirator

A protective mask that filters out at least 95% of airborne particles, providing a higher level of protection than surgical masks.