Microbiology: Disinfectants

Microbiology
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MICROBIOLOGY
1 What does bactericidal mean? Bacteriostatic? Virucidal? Fungistatic?
According to Rashid et al. (2019), bactericidal is something that can kill bacteria, while bacteriostatic is something that can inhibit the growth of bacteria. At the same time, virucidal has the ability to kill viruses, while fungistatic inhibit the growth of fungi.
2 Why are control cultures necessary in evaluating disinfectants?
It is important to note that control cultures are critical in assessing disinfectants to prove if they can kill bacteria.
3 What factors can influence the activity of a disinfectant?
Various factors influence the activities of disinfectants. These factors include pH levels, time, temperature, concentration of disinfectants, and the nature of microorganisms. For instance, an increase in temperature increases the activities of disinfectants and vice versa (Rashid et al., 2019). However, some exemptions exist. On the other hand, exposure time is vital in enhancing disinfection. Thus, an increase in time increases the lethality rate of disinfectants.
4 Why do microorganisms differ in their response to disinfectants?
It is important to note that microorganisms vary in their response to disinfectants regarding the structure and type of microbe (endospore) and resistance. For example, spores are typically resistant to disinfectants since the cortex and coat act as a barrier. Further, mycobacteria have a waxy cell way that averts penetration of disinfectants.
5 What microorganisms are most susceptible to disinfectants?
It is important to note that microorganisms differ in their degree of susceptibility to disinfectants; for example, mycobacteria are more resistant, while gram-positive bacteria are most susceptible to chemical disinfect...