Microbiology and Immunology

Steam pressure sterilizer WORLD OF MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

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real, since the MRSA is prevalent in an environment (the hos-

pital) where antibiotics are in constant use. Development of a

fully resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureuswould make

treatment of MRSA infections extremely difficult, and would

severely compromise health care.

Staphylococci are also responsible for the poisoning of

foods (e.g., ham, poultry, potato salad, egg salad, custards).

The poisoning typically occurs if contaminated food is

allowed to remain at a temperature that allows the staphylo-

cocci to grow and produce a toxin. Ingestion of the toxin pro-

duces an intestinal illness and can affect various organs

throughout the body.

The need for more effective prevention and treatment

strategies for staphylococcal infections is urgent, given the

wide variety of infections that are caused by staphylococci and

the looming specter of a completely resistant staphylococcus.

See alsoBacteria and bacterial infection; Infection and

resistance

SSteam pressure sterilizer TEAM PRESSURE STERILIZER

Steam pressure sterilizationrequires a combination of pres-

sure, high temperatures, and moisture, and serves as one of the

most widely used methods for sterilization where these func-

tions will not affect a load. The simplest example of a steam

pressure sterilizer is a home pressure cooker, though it is not

recommended for accurate sterilization. Its main component is

a chamber or vessel in which items for sterilization are sealed

and subjected to high temperatures for a specified length of

time, known as a cycle.

Steam pressure sterilizer has replaced the term auto-

clave for all practical purposes, though autoclaving is still

A cluster of Staphylococcus bacteria.

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