Control of Microbial Growth; Antimicrobial Drugs

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts from microbial control and antimicrobial drugs for exam preparation.

What are some historical methods of microbial control?

Food preservation methods such as drying, salting, smoking, and pickling, as well as controlling disease through quarantine and preserving drinking water by filtration or boiling.

What does the term '-cide' signify in microbial terminology?

It indicates the ability to kill, such as in bactericide (kills bacteria) or fungicide (kills fungi).

What is the purpose of pasteurization?

To reduce organisms that cause food spoilage through brief heat treatment.

What are nitrates and nitrites used for in food preservation?

They inhibit the germination of endospores and the growth of vegetative cells in processed meats.

What does bacteriostatic mean?

It refers to substances that prevent the growth of bacteria.

What is the decimal reduction time (DRT)?

The amount of time required to kill 90% of a specific bacterial population at a given temperature.

What does microbial death begin with?

When cell structures become dysfunctional, leading to irreversible damage and inability to reproduce.

What is autoclaving?

A sterilization method using steam under pressure to achieve sterilization at 121°C and 15 psi.

What are some common modes of action of antimicrobial drugs?

Inhibition of cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, and alteration of cell membrane.

Who discovered penicillin and when?

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.

What is the significance of the Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion Test?

It is used to qualitatively determine bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics by measuring the zone of inhibition around antibiotic-impregnated disks.

What is an example of a naturally occurring antimicrobial?

Antibiotics such as penicillins produced by fungi or bacteria.

What are some adverse effects of antibiotics?

Allergic reactions, toxic effects like aplastic anemia, suppression of normal flora, and development of antimicrobial resistance.

What is antibiotic resistance?

An adaptive response where microorganisms begin to tolerate amounts of a drug that would ordinarily be inhibitory.

What characterizes the ideal antimicrobial drug?

It should be selectively toxic to microbes, microbicidal, soluble, and not lead to resistance.

What are heavy metal compounds used for?

As disinfectants; for example, silver is used in creams to prevent secondary infections.