In order to know the meaning of the term “disinfection”, it is necessary to discover, first of all, its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it is a word that derives from Latin as it is the result of the sum of two components of that language:
-The prefix “des-“, which is used to indicate reversal of the action.
-The noun “infectio”, which comes to mean “invasion and development of a parasite within the body.
When a person disinfects something, it removes an infection or eliminates the possibility of it developing. This is achieved thanks to the destruction of pathogens that have the ability to invade a surface and multiply on it.
Disinfection consists of eliminating those microorganisms capable of producing an infection. See Abbreviation Finder for acronyms related to Disinfection.
Disinfection concept
Disinfection, therefore, is a process that manages to kill the microorganisms that cause infections, such as viruses or bacteria. The product that allows this result is known as a disinfectant.
Infectious agents are often found on objects such as tables, doors, pillows, coats, etc. The application of a disinfectant serves to prevent the development of an infection, since it eliminates microorganisms before they can affect the human being.
Within the health area, to mention one case, disinfection is essential to avoid health problems in workers and also in patients. Thus, for example, the need to undertake high-level disinfection is established, especially in respiratory therapy equipment, in anesthesia circuits, in bronchoscopes…
An alcohol and water solution can be used for hand disinfection.
Different types of procedures
If physical procedures are used, we have to establish that there are two methods of disinfection:
-Disinfection through heat, which also responds to the name of pasteurization. It basically consists of keeping the liquid used at a temperature of approximately 65º for at least 15 minutes.
-Disinfection with ultraviolet rays, which dramatically reduce the microbial load.
The disinfectant products that can be used are divided into three well-differentiated groups:
-Low level, which eliminate only part of the pathogens.
-Medium level, which manage to kill some viruses, fungi and even bacterial spores.
-High level. These products stand out for being toxic and even very irritating. Also noteworthy is the fact that they kill all kinds of microorganisms.
Alcohol, for example, is a product used to disinfect. If a woman buys metal rings (earrings) that are placed through the earlobe, it is convenient for her to subject them to alcohol disinfection to take care of her health.
Water disinfection
In water, on the other hand, various types of pathogens can exist. That is why its disinfection through some physical or chemical method is important.
Bringing the water to a boil, to cite one case, allows physical disinfection. If you opt for a chemical disinfection, it is possible to add chlorine or lavandina (bleach).
The concept in computing
Finally, in the computer field, disinfection consists of eliminating malicious programs called viruses.
A virus can infect a computer (a computer) and delete data or otherwise affect the normal operation of the system. In this situation, the user can resort to antivirus software to carry out the necessary disinfection.
