1.

2 THE PATTERN OF MICROBIAL DEATH

 A microbial population is not killed instantly when exposed to a lethal agent.
 Population death is generally exponential (logarithmic)—that is, the population will be
reduced by the same fraction at constant intervals.

 If the logarithm of the population number remaining is plotted against the time of exposure
of the microorganism to the agent, a straight-line plot will result. The slope is affected by
species of micro-organisms and homogeneity of the cells in the suspension.
 When the population has been greatly reduced, the rate of killing may slow due to the
survival of a more resistant strain of the microorganism.
 When a drop of suspension of bacteria is exposed to hot acid or is incinerated, bacteria are
killed so fast that it is not possible to measure the death rate.
 The probability of hitting the target(bacteria) is proportional to number of targets i.e. no. of
bacteria and also proportional to concentration of chemical.
 Hitting the target again and again does not count as bacteria can be killed by hitting once.

How can we measure the killing efficiency of an agent?

 By measuring decimal reduction time (D value)
 The decimal reduction time is the time required to kill 90% of the microorganisms or
spores in a sample under specifi ed conditions.
 D value is the time required for the line to drop by one log cycle or tenfold. The D value
is usually written with a subscript to indicate the temperature for which it applies .

To measure killing efficiency it is important to ensure that the organisms

are killed.
 A microbial cell is often defi ned as dead if it does not grow and reproduce when
inoculated into culture medium that would normally support its growth.
 In like manner, an inactive virus cannot infect a suitable host.
 However. It has been demonstrated that when bacteria are exposed to certain
conditions, they can remain alive but are temporarily unable to reproduce. When in this
state, they are referred to as viable but nonculturable (VBNC)
 In conventional tests to demonstrate killing by an antimicrobial agent, VBNC bacteria
would be thought to be dead.
 This is a serious problem because after a period of recovery, the bacteria may regain
their ability to reproduce and cause infection.