Control of microbial growth

Key concepts (be prepared to define or briefly describe them and compare and contrast related terms): sterilization, disinfection, sepsis, antisepsis, degerming, sanitization, pasteurization, germicide, bacteriostatic, bactericide, nosocomial infection, lyophilization.

Sterilization is the complete removal of living organisms. This often requires extreme conditions like autoclaving to sterilize solutions or equipment.
Disinfection is the process of removing or destroying living organisms. This process involves specific cleaning products and is often referred to in terms of disinfecting surfaces.
Sepsis is the presence of infection in blood or body fluids. It’s also referred to as bacteremia.
Antisepsis is the process of removing or preventing presence of bacteria usually on skin or tissue.
Degerming is a non-technical term referring to removal of microbes by cleaning
Sanitization is the removal of bacteria by disinfection or cleaning.
Pasteurization is the specific process for treating milk and some liquids to remove bacterial contamination without destroying the taste of food. It uses relatively low heat around 60 degrees Celsius.
Germicide is something that kills bacteria such as a disinfectant. This term is more general than bactericide.
Bacteriostatic describes a type of antibiotic that inhibits bacterial reproduction
Bactericide describes an antibiotic that kills bacteria directly.
Nosocomial infection is one obtained in a hospital
Lyophilization is the process of drying a biological material for storage in a dehydrated state. It involves freezing and drying in a vacuum.

Discuss a few reasons as to why we need to have and understand the means of controlling microbial growth.

Controlling microbial growth is necessary to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria to humans. However, not all bacteria are harmful and not all means of cleaning are equally effective or safe for use in all situations. For example, a number of disinfectants, such as bleach, are damaging to human tissue, so can’t also be used as an antiseptic. In addition, in areas that need the highest level of cleanliness, such as an operating room, disinfection is necessary, rather than less stringent sanitization.

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