Question

Destruction of all the microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, and spores) on an inanimate surface is termed as

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

Hint:

The key distinction between sterilization and disinfection is that sterilization destroys bacterial spores, whereas disinfection only reduces the population of vegetative pathogens to a safe level.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
To maintain aseptic conditions in veterinary surgery, various methods are used to control microbial populations on surfaces and tissues.
These methods are classified based on the level of microbial destruction achieved and whether they are applied to living tissue or inanimate objects.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us compare the definitions of the terms provided in the options:
- Antisepsis (A):
This is the prevention of infectious disease by inhibiting or destroying pathogens on living tissues (such as skin or mucous membranes) using chemical agents called antiseptics.
- Disinfection (C):
This is the destruction of most pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects or surfaces using chemical agents called disinfectants.
Importantly, disinfection does not guarantee the destruction of highly resistant bacterial endospores.
- Cleaning (D):
This is the physical removal of organic matter, dirt, and debris from a surface, typically using water and detergents, which reduces the microbial load but does not kill all microorganisms.
- Sterilization (B):
This is a rigorous process that completely destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life, including vegetative bacteria, viruses, fungi, and highly resilient bacterial spores, from inanimate objects or surfaces.
It is achieved using physical or chemical methods, such as autoclaving (steam under pressure), dry heat, ethylene oxide gas, or gamma radiation.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The destruction of all microorganisms (including spores) on an inanimate surface is termed sterilization.