Question

1. Define the following terms and differentiate them from each other by providing examples of each:

a. Antisepsis-

b. Asceptic-

c. -cide/-cidal-

d. Degerming-

e. Disinfection-

f. Pasteurization-

g. Sanitization-

h. -stasis/-static-

i. Sterilization-

Answer 1

a. Antiseptic- It is a compound or a condition that kills prevents the growth of microbes. Ex- Hydrogen peroxide.

b. Asceptic- It means uncontaminated or sterile condition. Ex- A sterile lab.

c. -cide/-cidal - -cide means killing like bacteriocide. Example - Amoxicillin is a bacteriocidal antibiotic.

d. Degerming- It is physical removal of microbes. Example- By soaps and detergents.

e. Disinfection- It is removing the microbes by killing them or inhibiting their growth. It is temparary and may not necessarily kill spores. Ex- Use of alcohol for cleaning.

f. Pasteurization - It refers to mild heating generally less than 100 degrees celsius for few seconds to prevent growth of harmful microbes. Example - Pasteurization of milk.

g. Sanitation- It refers to safe disposal and management of excreta and other wastes. It is a public health maintenance measure.

h. -statis/static - It means to stop or inhibit the growth of microbe. Unlike -cidal, microbes aren't killed but stop growing. Example- Chloramphenicol is bacteriostatic antibiotic.

i. Sterilization - It refers to complete elimination of all microbes through killing, inhibiting and removing. Example- High heat or radiation.