Disinfection, Sanitization, Sterilization, Pasteurization

What is the key difference between antiseptics and disinfectants?

Antiseptics have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, while disinfectants have a narrow spectrum.
Antiseptics are more toxic than disinfectants and cannot be used directly on skin or wounds.
Antiseptics are used on living tissue, while disinfectants are used on inanimate objects. (correct)
Antiseptics are used to prevent transmission of infection, while disinfectants are used to kill microorganisms.

Which of the following is an important property of an ideal antiseptic?

Retains activity in the presence of body fluids, including pus. (correct)
Has good penetrating properties into organic matter.
Exerts a rapidly lethal action against all potentially pathogenic microorganisms and spores.
Is non-corrosive and does not destruct living tissue.

Which of the following is a key property of an ideal disinfectant?

Shares compatibility with organic compounds, particularly soaps. (correct)
Has low toxicity that can be used directly on skin or wounds.
Exerts a rapid and sustained lethal action against microorganisms.
Is non-irritating and non-allergenic to tissues.

What is the main purpose of the pasteurization process?

To reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms in food or beverages to a safe level. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between sterilization and sanitization?

Sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including spores, while sanitization only reduces the number of microorganisms. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key property of alcohols in microbiology?

Alcohols exert a rapidly lethal action against all potentially pathogenic microorganisms and spores. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between disinfection and sterilization?

Disinfection reduces microbial load to an acceptable level, while sterilization aims to kill all microorganisms including spores. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of pasteurization in microbial control?

To kill non-sporulating microorganisms using hot water or steam. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the antibacterial potency of primary alcohols increase with molecular weight?

Because higher molecular weight alcohols have higher lipid solubility. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of sanitization in the context of microbial control?

It reduces the microbial load on a surface to an acceptable level. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of alcohol molecules in microbial control?

Primary alcohols are more effective against Staphylococcus aureus than secondary alcohols. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the aim of sterilization in microbiology?

To ensure all types of microorganisms, including spores, are killed. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of action of benzalkonium chloride against microbes?

Disruption of microbial cell membrane (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about chlorhexidine is true?

It is one of the biguanides with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of methylene blue as an antiseptic?

Interference with electron transport chain (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about gentian violet is correct?

It is available in vaginal suppositories for the treatment of yeast infections (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using surfactants like benzalkonium chloride in microbial control?

To disrupt the microbial cell membrane (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about methylene blue is incorrect?

It is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent (A) Signup and view all the answers