[Sterilization by ionizing radiations (author's transl)]. / La stérilisation par les rayonnements ionisants

The first part summarizes the general characteristics of ionizing radiations and their activity on microorganisms: lethal and mutagenic effects, sensitivity conditions. Different microbial species have different sensitivities: gram negative bacteria are more sensitive (D10 approximately 5-10 Krads), bacterial spores and viruses are more resistant (D10 approximately 1 Megarads). The second part considers the main applications of radiosterilization: some are at present in full development (medical and surgical disposable equipment); others are still at the experimental stage. Practical aspects, determination of sterilizing doses and control of radiosterilization are also described.

[Estimation of the activity of an antiseptic agent on skin microbial flora under various conditions]. / Evaluation de l'activité d'un antiseptique sur la flore microbienne cutanée dans différentes conditions

The bacterial flora of the skin of the fore-arm was studied in fifteen normal subjects by a modified Williamson and Kligman technique. The quantitative results were in agreement with those found in other laboratories which indicates the reproducibility of the method. The action of an antiseptic containing 0.5 p. cent of benzalkonium chloride was studied under three conditions or single application of the antiseptic for five consecutive days and for 24 hours after the application of an occlusive dressing. The bacterial flora of the skin showed marked quantitative variations from one subject to another and, in the same subject, from one time to another. Evaluation of the activity of an antiseptic should take into consideration these physiological variations and also various conditions of use in practice. Are discussed also the factors leading to standardisation of the methods and the criteria of evaluation of the activity of antiseptics on the skin.