MODES OF ACTION OF DISINFECTANTS

The exact mechanism of action of a disinfectant is not easy to elucida te. The notion of 'target' in the bacterial cell, frequently evoked fo r the antibiotics, is not clear for disinfectants (except for some, e. g. chlorhexidine). In understanding the mode of action of a disinfecta nt, it can be difficult to distinguish the primary stage (characterist ic of the mode of action) and the secondary stage (consequence of the action). The author describes the actions of disinfectants on the exte rnal membrane, cytoplasmic membrane and energy metabolism of cells; th ese actions include rupture of the membrane, loss of permeability and coagulation of the cytoplasm.