Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization

Types, Action, and Resistance

Gerald E. McDonnell

• Publisher: ASM Press
• Year: 2017
• ISBN:
  9781683673071
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Médecine
• Subtopic: Microbiologie et parasitologie médicales

Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization: Types, Action, and Resistance, by Gerald E. McDonnell, is a detailed and accessible presentation of the current methods of microbial control. Each major category, such as physical disinfection methods, is given a chapter, in which theory, spectrum of activity, advantages, disadvantages, and modes of action of the methods are thoroughly and clearly presented. Sufficient background on the life cycles and general anatomy of microorganisms is provided so that the reader who is new to microbiology will better appreciate how physical and chemical biocides work their magic on microbes. Other topics in the book include:

• Evaluating the efficacy of chemical antiseptics and disinfectants, and of physical methods of microbial control and sterilization.
• Understanding how to choose the proper biocidal product and process for specific applications.
• Classic physical and chemical disinfection methods, such as heat, cold, non-ionizing radiation, acids, oxidizing agents, and metals.
• Newer chemical disinfectants, including, isothiazolones, micro-and nano-particles, and bacteriophages as control agents.
• Antisepsis of skin and wounds and the biocides that can be used as antiseptics.
• Classic methods of physical sterilization, such as, moist heat and dry heat sterilization, ionizing radiation, and filtration, along with newer methods, including, the use of plasma or pulsed light.
• Chemical sterilization methods that use ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, or a variety of other oxidizing agents.
• A detailed look at the modes of action of biocides in controlling microbial growth and disrupting microbial physiology.
• Mechanisms that microorganisms use to resist the effects of biocides.

The second edition of Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization: Types, Action, and Resistance is well suited as a textbook and is outstanding as a reference book for facilities managers and application engineers in manufacturing plants, hospitals, and food production facilities. It is also essential for public health officials, healthcare professionals, and infection control practitioners.

1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms (microorganisms). Microorganisms play important roles in our lives, for our benefit as well as to our detriment. Of primary interest are those microorganisms that cause diseases under a variety of circumstances. Other issues include the economic aspects associated with microbial contamination, such as food spoilage, plant infections, and surface damage. The control of microorganisms is therefore an important concern in preventing contamination, as well as removing or reducing it when it occurs. A variety of physical and chemical methods are used for these purposes in antisepsis, disinfection, and sterilization applications. Disinfection and sterilization are used for the control of microorganisms on surfaces, in liquids, or in areas, while antisepsis is particularly associated with microbial reduction on the skin or mucous membranes. These biocidal applications are varied and include skin washing, wound treatment, product preservation, food and water disinfection, surgical-device decontamination, and product sterilization. Many of these processes have been used historically and are described in many ancient texts and writings. Despite this, it is only in the last 150 years, as our knowledge and understanding of microbiology has expanded, that the impact of antiseptics, disinfectants, and sterilants has been truly appreciated. Their utilization has played and continues to play an important role in significantly reducing the incidence of infectious diseases, such as gastroenteritis and pneumonia. Today, microorganisms are still a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, and economic loss, and we continue to be challenged with the identification of “newer” microorganisms, like Legionella, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Ebola virus, viroids, and prions.

Biocidal processes include many physical and chemical methods. Physical processes include heat (e.g., steam) and radiation (e.g., UV radiation). A wide range of chemicals, such as aldehydes, halogens, and phenolics, are also used due to their antimicrobial activities. The choice and use of a biocide will depend on the required application. For example, many aggressive chemicals or high-temperature processes can be used on various hard surfaces, like medical devices, but would not be acceptable for use as antiseptics on the skin. Therefore, there are three primary considerations in the choice of a biocide: antimicrobial efficacy, safety, and compatibility. There is no perfect biocide for any application, but the desired attributes include the following:

• Activity against a wide range of (if not all) microorganisms
• Rapid activity
• Efficacy in the presence of contaminating organic and inorganic materials, which can inhibit the activity of the biocide
• Low or no toxicity, irritancy, mutagenicity (causing genetic mutations), or carcinogenicity (causing cancer)
• Safe use
• Lack of damage to surfaces or areas (compatibility)
• Lack of unwanted or toxic residues
• Stability, yet ability to be readily broken down in the environment
• Environmental friendliness

It is clear that the advantages and disadvantages of each biocide should be considered in deciding its suitability in a given application.

This book describes the major antiseptic, disinfectant, and sterilization practices that are used. For the purpose of introduction, this chapter gives a brief description of the various types of target microorganisms, as well as a discussion of some key considerations for biocidal applications, including the evaluation of efficacy, formulation effects, and the importance of cleaning. Chapters 2 and 3 describe the various types of physical and chemical biocides and biocidal processes, including filtration, which is not a true biocidal process but is widely used in the disinfection and sterilization of liquids and gases. For each biocide group, the various types, applications, spectra of antimicrobial activities, advantages, and disadvantages and a brief discussion of the mode of action are given. Chapter 4 addresses the use of biocides as antiseptics and antiseptic applications. Chapters 5 and 6 discuss various types of physical and chemical sterilization methods, which are considered distinct from disinfection applications. Chapter 7 addresses the current ...