Question

Bacteriological spore encapsulation poses a challenges to sterilization. How is this? Why is this? And how can the sterilization professional overcome this challenge to sterilization in the field? (Hint: one primary sterilization methodology is the key.)

Answer 1

Spores

A spore is a cell that certain fungi, plants (moss, ferns), and bacteria produce. Spores are involved in reproduction.

Certain bacteria make spores as a way to defend themselves. Spores have thick walls. They can resist high temperatures, humidity, and other environmental conditions.

The bacteria Clostridia form spores. These spores create the bacteria that cause a rare condition called gas gangrene and a type of colitis that is linked to use of antibiotics.

Information

Chemical disinfectants can kill bacteria, but they do not destroy their spores.

A process called sterilization destroys spores and bacteria. It is done at high temperature and under high pressure. In health care settings, sterilization of instruments is usually done using a device called an autoclave