Ch. 7.4 Germicides and their mode of action

Question 1

What do detergents target and what level of germicide are they?

Pros and cons

Answer 1

Low level germicide that targets lipid membranes.

Pros: Used as disinfectant and antiseptic
Cons: Activity decreased in hard water, and easily contaminated by pseudomonas bacteria

Question 2

What do isopropanol and ethanol alcohols and phenols target and what level of germicide are they?

Answer 2

Intermediate level
Taget proteins and lipid membranes.

Pros: Used as disinfectant and antiseptic
Cons: Flamable, can react with plastics

Phenol Cons: Leaves residue, irritants, harsh on surfaces, medicinal scent, sensitive to water hardness

Question 3

What do formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde target and what level of germicide are they?

Answer 3

High Level
Target proteins and nucleic acids

Pros: Sterility achieved at certain concentrations
Cons: Toxic, irritants, leaves a residue

Question 4

What do halogens chlorine and iodine target and what level of germicide are they?

Answer 4

High level
Oxidizing agents that mainly target proteins and nucleic acids.

Pros: Sterilant at high concentrations, cheap, used as disinfectant and antiseptic
Cons: Rapidly inactivated by organic material, corrosive, discolors fabrics.

Question 5

What do peroxygens hydrogen peroxide and peracedic acid target and what level of germicide are they?

Answer 5

High level
Oxidizing agents that mainly target proteins and nucleic acids.

Pros: Sterilizant at high concentrations, used as disinfectant and antiseptic, peracedic acid effective inspire of organic material and leaves no residue
Cons: Most readily inactivated by organic matter, residue, and corrosive

Question 6

What does ethanol oxide target and what level of germicide are they?

Answer 6

High
Targets proteins and nucleic acids.

Pros: Treat items that can’t withstand heat or moisture, gentle on equipment
Cons: Toxic and flammable