Effects of Biocides on the Morphology of Microorganisms

The purpose of this study is to identify and describe changes that occur in certain microorganisms after treatment with a solution of the disinfectant chlorhexidine gluconate. In the experiments, Gram-positive and Gram- negative bacteria – causative agents of nosocomial infections were used. Identified changes include irreversible destruction of the bacterial cell wall, complete deformation of the bacteria, breakage of the surface structures of the cell with leakage of its contents and formation of conglomerates of many agglutinated bacteria. The occurring morphological changes and accumulation of microorganisms are explained by biochemical and biophysical behavior of disinfectants. Comparison on morphological criteria of the effects of disinfectant action with the effects caused by the treatment of these bacteria with antibiotics is done.