Question

Absence of pathogenic microbes or infection in living tissue is termed as

• A. Antisepsis
• B. Asepsis
• C. Disinfection
• D. Sterilization

Hint:

Remember the distinction: Asepsis is a state of being free of microbes in living tissue, while antisepsis is the action of applying chemical agents to living tissue to reduce the microbial load.
Sterilization and disinfection are processes reserved exclusively for inanimate objects.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Surgical and clinical procedures require a clear understanding of terms relating to microbial control to prevent surgical site infections and contamination.
These terms are defined based on whether they apply to living tissue or inanimate objects, and whether they refer to a state or a process.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us define and distinguish each of the options:
1. Antisepsis: This is the process of local prevention of sepsis by inhibiting or arresting the growth and multiplication of microorganisms on living tissue using chemical agents (antiseptics).
2. Asepsis: This is a state of being completely free from pathogenic microorganisms, or the absence of pathogenic microbes or active infection in living tissue. It is maintained through aseptic techniques during surgery.
3. Disinfection: This is a chemical or physical process that destroys vegetative pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects (fomites), but does not necessarily destroy bacterial spores.
4. Sterilization: This is the complete destruction or elimination of all forms of microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial spores, achieved through autoclaving, dry heat, or chemical sterilants on inanimate objects.
Since the question specifically refers to the state of "absence of pathogenic microbes or infection in living tissue," the correct term is asepsis.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the absence of pathogenic microbes or infection in living tissue is termed asepsis.