74C3C1C4-5016-4B13-B894-235D5D725184.jpeg

# Chapter 11 Notes **Methods to Remove Microbes** * **Filtration:** Effective for removing microbes from air and liquids. * **Intermediate-Level Germicides:** Kill fungal, and some viruses (but not all bacterial spores or resistant pathogens). * Used to disinfect items that are not invasive. *...

# Chapter 11 Notes **Methods to Remove Microbes** * **Filtration:** Effective for removing microbes from air and liquids. * **Intermediate-Level Germicides:** Kill fungal, and some viruses (but not all bacterial spores or resistant pathogens). * Used to disinfect items that are not invasive. * **Halogens:** * Chlorine and Iodine are common antimicrobial disinfectants and antiseptics used often. * **Alcohols:** Mechanism of action depends on concentration. * Does not destroy bacterial spores at room temperature. * Destroys resistant vegetative forms. * Alcohol inactivates enveloped viruses more easily than nonenveloped viruses, due to a surfactant effect on the virus envelope. * **Hydrogen Peroxide:** Germicidal effects due to both direct and indirect actions of oxygen forming hydroxyl free radicals. * **Glutaraldehyde:** * Rapid and broad-spectrum disinfectant. * Officially labeled as a sterilant and high-level disinfectant. * **Ethylene Oxide (ETO):** * Strong alkylating agent. * Reacts vigorously with functional groups in DNA and proteins. * Blocks both DNA replication and enzymatic actions. * **Quaternary Ammonium Compounds:** * Germicidal activity greatly reduced in presence of organic matter. * Require alkaline conditions to function. * Rated only as low to moderate-level disinfectants.