Figure 1. Decreasing order of resistance of microorganisms to disinfection and sterilization and the level of disinfection or sterilization

Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008)

What to know

Figure 1 from the Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008).

Figure

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The most resistant are Prions at a level of prion Prion reprocessing. Followed by Bacterial spores at a level of sterilization. Next followed by Coccidia at a level of disinfection. Of less resistance is Mycobacteria and Nonlipid or small viruses at a high level of disinfection. Followed by Fungi at an intermediae level of disinfection. The most susceptible are Vegetative bacteria and Lipid or medium-sized viruses at a low level of disinfection.
Figure 1: Decreasing order of resistance of microorganisms to disinfection and sterilization and the level of disinfection or sterilization

Modified from Russell and Favero.13, 344