What are endospores and why are they of concern to healthcare facilities?
Meaning of endospores
Endo means within.
It is a highly resistant , dormant and non-reproductive form of some bacteria (in the phylum Firmicutes) under conditions of nutrient -deprivation.
Examples of such bactreia are B.cereus and C.tetani.
Reasons for concern to healthcare facility
1. Endospores have a unique structure consisting of
Layers (Outer to Inner) | Property |
Proteinaceous coat | Resistance to Chemicals and enzymes |
cortex, | Resistance to High temparature |
germ cell wall, | permeability barrier to chemicals |
inner membrane | |
core | holds genetic material |
2.They cannot be killed by common antimicrobial treatments.
3.They remain dormant for prolonged periods of time without nutrients
4.When conditions become favorable,these become viable within a day or two
5.They are commonly seen in soil and water
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