Antiseptics and disinfectants

Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol “refers to two water-soluble chemical compounds—ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol—that have generally underrated germicidal characteristics” (“Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities”). Ethyl alcohol kills bacteria in two ways: “protein denaturation and dissolving the lipid membrane” (“How Does Ethyl Alcohol Kill Bacteria?“). Next, Betadine, also known as Povidone-iodine is a solution [that is] often used in hand scrubs and hand rubs in hospital settings” (Ngan). It is used in “Treating minor wounds and infections, as well as killing bacteria” (“Povidone/ iodine solution”). Povidone-iodine’s way of killing bacteria is still being researched and “is yet to be fully understood, [but] it appears to have the ability to penetrate the cell wall of bacteria and affect their structure and function. This ensures their rapid destruction and helps protect against wound and skin infection” (“What is an Antiseptic”). Germ-X Hand Sanitizer is a hand gel that is used for waterless “washing” of hands to kill germs on the surface. It is an antiseptic primarily used by those who want to kill germs quickly and cannot wash their hands (Samuels). The formula contains about 63 percent ethyl alcohol according to livestrong.com (Samuels). Neosporin is a topical antibiotic used to

The development of antibiotics was an important advancement in 20th century medicine. Previously deadly infectious diseases are now routinely treated with antibiotics. Moreover, for modern-day medical procedures such as chemotherapy treatment to be successful, antibiotic use is necessary. For these reasons, the prospect of bacteria developing widespread resistance to antibiotics is a major concern as it would render many modern-day medical therapies unviable.

Modern-day advances have allowed scientists to develop methods to control pathogens. The more common methods include the use of antiseptics, antibiotics, and vaccines. By definition, antiseptics are chemicals used to kill pathogens. A few widespread antiseptics include soap, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol. Antiseptics are primarily used for the external destruction of pathogens, while antibiotics and vaccines target internal pathogens. Nevertheless, there are and can be difficulties concerning the use of antibiotics. “As antibiotic use has become more common, antibiotic-resistant bacteria have evolved.” This resistance due to evolution is called antibiotic resistance. It results in the antibiotics having no effect whatsoever on the bacteria, rendering the antibiotics useless. When antibiotic resistance occurs, scientists must resume their search to create a new medicine to can kill the mutant bacteria.

AIM – The aim of the experiment is to determine the relative effectiveness of several anti-microbial substances on developing pathogens. (E. coli)

| UNIT 4222- 264 THE PRINCIPLES OF INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL | | | |

1. Explain employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection.

Antibiotics:- antibiotics are medication which destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria, they are used to treat infections which are caused by bacteria. Most of the time the body’s immune system can fight off bacteria but in cases in which the body cannot antibiotics are used to destroy them. Antibiotics are either given orally, applied to the skin in ointment form or injected, this all depends on the type of infection the body is currently trying to fight off, for example skin infections are treated with ointment, oral antibiotics are used to fight of moderate infections and injective antibiotics are most commonly used in

2. Which antibiotic was most effective in killing the bacterial lawn on each plate? Which was the least effective?

To expose to the chance of injury or loss for example using harsh chemicals like bleach in a work in a care home their is always a risk of someone venerable not knowing what substance it is and drinking it or using it for something other than cleaning

The antibiotics will have different zones of inhibition on different bacteria. Also, a range of concentrations of the nutrients in the bacteria will change the bacterial growth.

The aim of this investigation was to find out which antiseptics were most effective at preventing the growth of bacteria.

Visibly soiled hands (bodily fluids, etc.) should and must be washed with soap and water to substantially rid the hands of microbes. Studies found that hand sanitizers with an alcohol content of 60-95% can kill germs effectively (instead of hand washing) compared to those hand sanitizers that contain less than a 60% alcohol concentration or those without alcohol. Growth of microbes or bacteria present on the hands may be inhibited, but will not completely rid their presence. They may still stay on the hands and not completely “wash off,” like that during the process of rinsing during hand washing where water will rinse them off the hands and into the sink. Bacteria like Clostridium dificile or E. coli are familiar organisms present in the healthcare settings and may not be effectively removed by hand sanitizers (those with alcohol content) alone. They may still be found in the crevices of the hand or ridges in between the fingers and can sometimes spread to the wrist area and forearm if not properly

To work against infecting organisms, an antibiotic can be applied externally, such as to a cut on the skin's surface, or internally, reaching the bloodstream within the body. Antibiotics are made in several forms and given in different ways. Topical. Topical application means "to a local area" such as on the skin, in the eyes, or on the mucous membrane. Antibiotics for topical use are available in the form of powders, ointments, or creams.

In the article the FDA is revisiting the safety of an antibacterial agent called Ticlosan, because they recently discovered it is interfering with the hormone levels in lab animals and that it could be a causative agent of the growth of drug resistant bacteria. If new regulations are put into action manufacturing companies companies will have to prove the effectiveness of antibacterial soaps over water and soap. If you were to wash your hand without antimicrobial soap, a number of reactions would take place. Bacteria and other microorganisms would be able to get past some of your bodies first defenses without any effort to them. There are many components to antimicrobial soap that are active against microorganisms; one common component is called Triclosan ("What Makes Antibacterial Soap Antibacterial?” 2014). The bacteria would release a bacterial enzyme that would bind to a substrate released by your body and start a chemical reaction infecting the cells with the bacteria it holds. However, antimicrobial soap has many different components that act as a blocker to these enzymes. Triclosan specifically blocks the bacteria from binding to the active site on the enzyme ("What Makes Antibacterial Soap Antibacterial?” 2014). When Triclosan is activated it prevents the growth of the fatty acid chain which build and strength the cell’s membrane. Without a plasma membrane the cell cannot thrive and will be killed or destroyed by other cells. The U.S.

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