Microbiology Vocabulary Chapter 23 Module 3

Cremation

a chemical change that uses heat and vaporization to reduce the human body to minimal components A cremation is a type of final disposition that uses fire.

Aldehydes

a class of chemicals that have antimicrobial properties and are used as disinfectants Acetaldehyde, a type of aldehyde, and can be used in the production of various chemicals.

Glutaraldehyde

a disinfectant and is actually a cold chemical sterilant Glutaraldehyde is another sterilization found in hospitals for cleaning the medical equipment.

Formaldehyde

a preservative, fixative, and disinfectant Formaldehyde is a main product used in embalming fluid to preserve bodies.

Bactericides

agents that destroy bacteria but not necessarily their spores A disinfectant bactericide can be in items such as chlorine bleach.

Fungicides

agents that destroy fungi and their spores Sulfur is a type of fungicide to prevent mildew.

Larvicides

agents that destroy insect larvae A larvicide called temephos is used over standing water to prevent larvae.

Insecticides

agents that destroy insects An insecticide is malathion that prevents various pests.

Sporicides

agents that kill bacterial and mold spores; act as sterilizing agents Sporicides like sporicidin, can be used in laboratory settings to eliminate bacterial spores that are resistant to other disinfectants.

Chemical methods of controlling microorganisms

antimicrobial agents ending in -cide are agents that will kill; those that end in -static are agents that will prevent growth Chemical methods of controlling microorganisms might be considered less effective than physical methods.

Refrigeration

artificial cooling that drastically reduces microbial growth of certain bacteria Slimy and discolored feta cheese can be caused by mold or other organisms if it is not refrigerated.

Iodine

controls microbial growth by oxidizing certain molecules within the microbial cell, can be used in the form of either a tincture or aniodoophore Iodine tablets can be used in emergency water to purify it from bacterias and viruses.

Free-flowing steam

destroys viruses, fungi and bacteria but will not destroy all viruses or endospores and does not sterilize Pasteurization often uses free flowing steam for removal of microorganisms.

Alcohols

disinfectants that control microbial growth by denaturing proteins and by dissolving lipids in the cell membrane of microorganisms A type of alcohol that can't be used in medical products is methanol.

Halogens

disinfectants that work by oxidizing the components of microbial cells Halogens are commonly found in antiseptic products like betadine, which is used to disinfect wounds and prevent infections.

Physical Methods of controlling microorganisms

include scrubbing, heat, cold, and ultraviolet light A physical method of controlling microorganisms requires physical agents without the use of chemicals to reduce microorganisms.

Carbolic acid

intermediate-level disinfectant compound phenol Cough syrups use soothing agents like carbolic acids.

Benzalkonium Chloride

is a topical antiseptic used on the skin in nasal sprays to reduce the airborne transmission of disease in hospitals and as a preservative in eye drops Baby wipes use benzalkonium chloride to gently clean the skin while preventing bacteria.

Hexachlorophene

is about 450 times more effective as a germicide than phenol A popular antiseptic soap in hospitals called PhisoHex has hexachlorophene in it.

Ceepryn Chloride

it is an antiseptic that kills bacteria and other microorganisms; it has been shown to be effective in preventing dental plaque and reducing gingivitis Ceepryn Chloride is used for its ability to disinfect equipment for when sanitation is needed.

Formalin

liquid form of formaldehyde used as a disinfectant Formalin can be found in cleaning products that are often used in hospitals.

Scrubbing

manual process by which microorganisms are removed from a surface People scrub their hands together or surfaces everyday to remove microorganisms.

Dry heat

moderate to high temperatures; dehydration, alters protein structure; incineration Dry heat is one of the physical methods of controlling microorganisms for items that cannot get wet.

Cresols

phenolic compounds derived from a chemical known as toluene Cresols is a main ingredient in lysol wipes that most homes have for disinfectants.

Antisepsis

preventing or inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms Antisepsis is commonly used during surgery to prevent harmful bacteria from causing infections.

Sterilization

process of completely removing or destroying all life forms, endospores, or their products on or in a substance It is important to sterilize the workstation in the prep room to prevent harmful infections and the growth of microorganisms.

Incineration

putting waste matter in a combustion chamber for a sufficient time and at a high enough temperature to mix with the oxygen and combust completely Biohazard trash goes straight to the incineration so the heat can completely destroy pathogens.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

quats, are chemical disinfectants and antiseptics that damage cellular membranes and denature microbial proteins House hold cleaners used in bathrooms and kitchens used to kill germs is any quat-based cleaning sprays that have quaternary ammonium compounds.

Isopropyl alcohol

rubbing alcohol Hand sanitizers often use isopropyl alcohol for quick and mobil sanitization.

Steam under pressure

sterilization The two common steam-sterilizing temperatures are 250°F and 270°F.

Germicides

substances that destroy microorganisms but not necessarily their spores Germicides are in iodine solutions that can be used to disinfect surfaces and kill harmful microorganisms in medical environments.

Disinfection

the destruction of pathogenic agents by chemical or physical means directly applied to an inanimate object Disinfection specifically removes or reduces pathogenic bacteria on an object and/or surface.

Ethyl Alcohol

the intoxicating ingredient in fermented liquors; a colorless, pungent liquid Some mouthwashes have ethyl alcohol to kill bacteria that can form in the mouth.

Freezing

the process of exposing microorganisms to temperatures below the freezing point of water, typically at or below 0°C (32°F) Freezing microorganisms halts their growth, but doesn't always kill them if they were to thaw.

Boiling

the process of heating a liquid to its boiling point (typically 100°C) to kill most microorganisms People can use boiling water to treat their drinking water at home.

Chlorine

used to treat municipal drinking water and for the maintenance of swimming pools Without chlorine in a pool it would begin to grow potentially harmful bacteria and algae.