Control of Bacterial Growth Flashcards
What are autoclaves used for?
To destroy viruses, fungi, and bacteria (including endospores)
What is pasteurization used for?
Used for milk, beer, and other beverages
Process does not sterilize but does kill pathogens present and slow spoilage by reducing the total load of organisms present
What is UV radiation used for?
Water treatment
What is gamma radiation used for?
Kills living organisms including endospores (usually not viruses)
Used for sterilization and pasteurization of antibiotics, hormones, sutures, plastic disposable supplies, and food
What do phenolics kill?
Bacteria, including mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi, and enveloped viruses
Does not kill spores
What are some characteristics of phenolics?
Disagreeable odor and can cause skin irritation
What do alcohols kill?
Bacteria, fungi, enveloped viruses, but not spores
How do alcohols kill bacteria?
Denature proteins and possible dissolve membrane lipids
What do halogens kill?
Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and at high concentrations may kill spores
What are some issues with halogens?
Skin damage, staining, and allergies
What do aldehydes kill?
Most bacteria and fungi, including spores
How do aldehydes work?
Crosslink proteins
Stop metabolic activity
What do quaternary ammonium compounds kill?
Kills most bacteria but not M. tuberculosis or endospores
Kills enveloped viruses and some fungi
What are quaternary ammonium compounds?
Detergents that have antimicrobial activity
What are some characteristics of quaternary ammonium compounds?
Safe and easy to use
Inactivated by hard water and soap
