Antimicrobials Flashcards
1
Q
What are disinfectants?
A
Strong chemical agents that inhibit or kill micro-organsims
2
Q
What are antiseptics?
A
Disinfecting agents with sufficiently low toxicity for host cells –> safe for skin but toxic to micro-organisms.
3
Q
What are sterilants?
A
Kill vegetative cells and spores - appropriate times and temps.
4
Q
Give examples of antiseptics
A
Iodine
Isopropyl alcohol
Chorhexidine
5
Q
What is the difference between antiseptics ending in cidal/ static?
A
Cidal - denature proteins, cause osmotic disruption of the cell. KILLS CELLS.
Static - Interfere with specific metabolic processes - SLOWS DOWN ORGANISM SO IT CANNOT GROW.
6
Q
What are key cellular targets for antimicrobials?
A
Cell wall, cell membrane, nucleic acid, protein synthesis.
