Antimicrobial chemicals occur in liquid, gaseous, or even solid forms. They range from disinfectants and antiseptics to sterilants and , which are chemicals that can be used to inhibit the deterioration of food products. The use of chemical agents as germicides is very important in health-related fields today, due to their ability to have rapid action in concentrations and their ability to remain functional when solubilized in water or . In addition, many of these agents have microbicidal action without exhibiting toxicity as well as the ability to sustain a persistent action on inanimate surfaces. Other agents are resistant to the inactivating action of , while others exhibit noncorrosive, sanitizing, or properties. Many are affordable and readily available to users.

An antimicrobial agent’s adverse effect on cells is known as its mode of action. Such antimicrobials exhibit a range of cellular targets, the selective being the most effective against the widest range of microbes and the selective agents exhibiting specificity in terms of cellular targets and microbial types they are effective against. Potential cellular targets of various physical and chemical forms of antimicrobials include the , whose synthesis can be blocked by these agents or whose structure can be altered as well. Another potential target is the , whose surface tension can be reduced by various microbicidal agents resulting in a loss of selective permeability in the cell. Physical and chemical agents can also interfere with synthesis through disruption of ribosome activity, protein function through the denaturation of a protein’s native state, and finally disrupting the synthesis or structure of

Name two chemicals used to disinfect water.

I. Fill in the Blanks1. is used as a disinfectant or sterilant in both liquid andgaseous form.2. is used on skin and mucous membrane to kill microorganisms.Checklist for Assessment ActivityUse the following checklist to see if you have met all the requirements for assessmentactivity:Part ADifferentiated between the following:1. Physical agents and chemical agents.2. Sterilization and disinfection.90Sector: Healthcare

Chemicals used to disinfect inanimate objects, such as bedside equipment and operating rooms, do not kill spores (i.e., they are not sporicidal). Because they are strong chemical substances, and cannot be used on living tissue.(1 Point)SanitizationAntisepticsPasteurizationDisinfectantSterilization

Characteristics of an Ideal Antimicrobial Agent, except(1 Point)Kill or inhibit the growth of pathogensCause no damage and allergic reaction to the hostBe stable when stored in solid or liquid formRemain in specific tissues in the body long enough to be effectiveKill the pathogens after they mutate and become resistant to it. Unfortunately, most antimicrobial agents have some side effects, produce allergic reactions, or permit development of resistant mutant pathogens.