Page 43 - MNU-PM502- Pharmaeutical Microbiology Theoritical Book

Pharm D- Clinical Pharmacy Program Third Level Pharmaceutical Microbiology& Antimicrobials (PM 502)

Chemical control methods

Disinfectants: chemicals that kill microorganisms and are used on inanimate
objects.
Chemical disinfectants can be classified into three groups based on their

microbicidal activity:
• Low-level disinfectants: elimination of most bacteria, some fungi and some
viruses, not bacterial spores.

• Intermediate-level disinfectants: elimination of most bacteria including
mycobacteria, most fungi and some viruses but not bacterial spores.
• High-level disinfectants: destroys all microorganisms except for spores

(bactericidal, virucidal (both lipid and non-lipid viruses), fungicidal and
mycobactericidal)

Antiseptics: Chemicals used on living tissue (skin).

Chemical sterilants or biocides: chemicals are used to destroy all life forms.
However, these same chemicals used for shorter periods are disinfectants.

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