What are the main microbial control terms?
The role of endospores is significant in sterilization as they are highly resistant to many control methods.
What factors can interfere with microbial control?
Practical concerns for health workers include understanding these factors for successful infection control.
Do microbes vary in their response to external control methods?
Yes
Microbial variation is due to differences in structure, metabolism, and genetic factors.
What do we mean by contact time and penetrating power?
Both factors are crucial for effective microbial control.
What are the main cell targets for antimicrobial treatments?
Effectiveness varies based on the target cell type.
When will antimicrobial treatments be most/least effective?
The state of the microorganism influences treatment success.
List the main methods of physical control.
Each method has specific examples and environmental conditions for use in microbiology and hospitals.
What are the main types of chemical control?
Each type has specific chemical examples and modes of action.
Which chemicals are sporicidal?
Not all chemicals are effective against spores; some are toxic to humans and wildlife.
Which chemicals are toxic (to humans & wildlife)?
Some chemicals are inactivated by organic matter and do not kill cysts.
Which chemicals are persistent leading to increasing pathogen resistance?
Persistent chemicals can lead to resistance in pathogens over time.
Which chemicals are oligodynamic?
Oligodynamic action refers to the ability of metals to exert antimicrobial effects at low concentrations.
Which chemicals are more effective when diluted?
Dilution can enhance the efficacy of certain antimicrobial agents.
Which chemicals are good against anaerobes?
These chemicals can effectively target anaerobic microorganisms.
Do drugs have to kill in order to be effective chemotherapy agents?
No
Drugs can be effective by inhibiting the growth of pathogens rather than killing them.
What are the main microbial control terms?
These terms distinguish between different types of antimicrobial agents.
How do microbiologists determine drug toxicity?
Understanding the interaction between the drug, host, and pathogen is crucial for determining toxicity.
Give a brief history of chemotherapy discoveries.
These individuals contributed significantly to the development of chemotherapy.
How are antimicrobials evaluated?
These methods assess the effectiveness of antimicrobials against pathogens.
Which antimicrobial evaluation methods use paper discs/strips on plates?
Kirby-Bauer/E-test
These methods involve measuring the zone of inhibition around the discs.
Which antimicrobial evaluation methods are broth dilutions?
MIC/MBC
These methods determine the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration.
What do the letters R, I, and S signify in antimicrobial evaluation?
These classifications indicate the effectiveness of an antimicrobial against a specific pathogen.
Why would a physician prescribe a broad spectrum drug?
To target a wide range of pathogens
Broad spectrum drugs can be useful in treating infections caused by multiple types of bacteria.
What is a potential issue with broad spectrum drugs?
Superinfections & overgrowths by opportunists
These drugs can disrupt normal flora, leading to secondary infections.