Understanding microbes: what they are and how to eliminate them

Understanding microbes: what they are and how to eliminate them

Thursday, 12 September, 2024

Microbes are tiny living organisms that are all around us and are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They inhabit water, soil and air.

The human body is also home to millions of these microbes, also known as microorganisms. Some microbes cause illness, while others are essential for our health.

The most common types of microbes are bacteria, viruses and fungi.

It is important to note that microbes which can be harmful to humans are known as pathogens. Among these pathogens, we can identify the following bacteria and fungi:

Escherichia coli: A gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that can cause infections in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and other areas of the body.
Staphylococcus aureus: A gram-positive, sphere-shaped bacterium that often causes skin infections but can also lead to pneumonia, heart valve infections and bone infections. It is resistant to certain antibiotics.
Aspergillus niger: This fungus is a type of mould sometimes linked to certain cases of pneumonia. It is also responsible for black mould found on the outside of certain foods and surfaces.
Listeria: A species of pathogenic bacteria found in damp environments, soil, water, vegetation and decaying animals. It can survive and even grow in refrigerated environments and other food preservation conditions.
Candida albicans: This yeast-like fungus is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with contaminated people or objects. It can become a pathogen when a patient’s immune system is weakened, such as after surgery.
Salmonella: A gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that can cause an illness called salmonellosis. It can be found in a wide range of foods, including chicken, turkey, beef, pork, eggs, fruits, sprouts, vegetables and even some processed foods.

Cleaning — the physical removal of germs, dirt and impurities from objects and surfaces using water and soap — does not necessarily kill germs and microbes.

To keep these pathogens away from a wide range of materials, including plastics, paints, construction materials, adhesives, polymers and more, Comindex is marketing BactiBlock, an antimicrobial additive based on silver ions or other active ingredients absorbed on a solid carrier of clay or amorphous glass.

Using a solid carrier allows for a more controlled release rate of the active ingredient compared to liquid antimicrobial additives, resulting in significantly longer-lasting effects.

Including BactiBlock in materials during the manufacturing process ensures disinfected surfaces by eliminating microbes that may survive post-cleaning, thereby reducing the risk of pathogen spread.

For further information about these products, please contact our team of technical sales advisors.

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