agents of microbial control

Flashcards for exam review.

Microbicidal

Agent that kills microbes; can be toxic to cells.

Microbistatic

Agent that inhibits the growth and metabolism of microbes; not as strong and may not eliminate endospores.

Decontaminating

Process involving washing away/removal of microbes, often using scrubbing with soap as a pre-step.

Disinfecting/Sanitizing

Process that kills most pathogens but not spores; examples include pasteurization and antiseptics.

Sterilizing

Process that kills spores and endospores; examples include ionizing radiation and autoclaving.

Bactericides

Agents that kill bacteria.

Sporicides

Agents that kill spores.

Fungicides

Agents that kill fungi.

Viricides

Agents that kill viruses.

Bacteriostatic

Agents that stop bacterial growth and metabolism.

Sanitize

Process to kill most pathogens.

Autoclave

A method to sterilize using heat and pressure.

Pasteurize

Heating a liquid, like milk, to disinfect it.

Ionizing Radiation

Sterilizing type of radiation.

Nonionizing Radiation

Disinfecting/sanitizing type of radiation.

Chemotherapeutic

Chemical used to treat disease.

Pasteurizing

Sanitizing/disinfecting process.

Autoclaving

Sterilizing process using heat and pressure.

UHT (Ultra-High Temperature)

Sterilizing process using high temperatures for a short time.

Drug Inactivation

Mechanism of resistance where bacteria send an enzyme to deactivate antibiotics.

Decreased Permeability

Mechanism of resistance where the drug receptor is altered.

HEPA Filter

High-efficiency particulate air filter used for sterilizing air.