Applied Microbiology - Control of Microbes

Flashcards for key vocabulary and definitions from the lecture on Applied Microbiology, focusing on the control of microbes.

Aseptic Techniques

The absence of contamination; methods used to prevent microbial contamination in a laboratory setting.

Antisepsis

Prevention of infection in living tissue by using antiseptics.

Sterilization

The removal of all viable organisms, including spores.

Disinfection

The killing of pathogens on inanimate objects using disinfectants.

Sanitization

Reducing microbial population to a safe public health standard, not necessarily sterilizing.

Biofilm

A structured community of microorganisms encapsulated within a self-developed protective matrix.

Persistent Cells

Non-culturable survivors of microbial treatment that can regain the ability to reproduce and cause infections.

HEPA Filters

High Efficiency Particulate Air filters that remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size.

Penicillin

An antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Cidal

Refers to agents that kill microorganisms.

Efflux Pump

A mechanism bacteria use to eject antimicrobial agents out of their cells.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that has become resistant to many antibiotics.

Vancomycin

An antibiotic effective against gram-positive bacteria, particularly staphylococcus and enterococcus infections.

Tetracyclines

A class of antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit.

Microbial Resistance

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

Pasteurization

A method of controlled heating used to kill pathogens and spoilage organisms in food without affecting taste.

Antiseptics

Substances applied to living tissue to prevent infection.

Surgical Mask

A mask worn by healthcare professionals to prevent the spread of infectious agents through droplets.

Ethylene Oxide

A gas used to sterilize heat-sensitive equipment and supplies by penetrating through materials.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Detergents that exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; used for disinfecting surfaces.

Gram-positive and Gram-negative

Bacteria classification based on their cell wall structure determined by the Gram stain.

Sporicidal

Refers to substances that can kill bacterial spores.

Trimethoprim

An antibiotic that inhibits folic acid synthesis in bacteria.

Conjugation

The transfer of genetic material between bacteria through direct contact.

Disinfectants

Agents used to kill pathogens on surfaces or inanimate objects.

Sulfonamides

A class of antibiotics that inhibit folate synthesis by competing with PABA.

Bacteriophage

A virus that infects and lyses bacteria, regarded as a potential treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing

A laboratory method used to determine which antibiotics can effectively inhibit bacterial growth.