A chemical that inhibits the growth of bacteria but does not kill them is called:
Select one: a. bactericidal b. bacteriostatic c. antiseptic d. disinfectant e. none of the above
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b. bacteriostatic.
A bacteriostatic chemical inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria, but it does not kill them. This type of agent works by interfering with processes that are vital for bacterial growth, such as protein synthesis or DNA replication. While the bacteria are not immediately destroyed, they are prevented from multiplying, which helps to control the infection and give the immune system a chance to overcome the bacteria.
Bacteriostatic agents are often used in situations where the goal is not to kill the bacteria outright but to control their population. This approach can be particularly useful in cases where using a bactericidal agent might cause an overload of bacterial debris or toxins in the body, leading to an inflammatory response.
In contrast, a bactericidal agent, which is not the correct answer, kills bacteria directly. These are useful in situations where it is necessary to rapidly eliminate bacteria, such as in life-threatening infections.
Antiseptics and disinfectants, on the other hand, are chemicals used to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on surfaces or in living tissues. Antiseptics are used on living tissues (such as skin), while disinfectants are used on non-living surfaces. While some antiseptics may have bacteriostatic effects, they are generally aimed at killing or preventing the growth of bacteria rather than merely inhibiting their growth.
In conclusion, a bacteriostatic agent prevents bacterial growth without killing the bacteria, allowing for a controlled response to infection while minimizing potential complications from rapid bacterial destruction.