PHYSICAL AGENTS AS ANTIMICROBIAL FACTORS.

Antibiotic resistance to most antibiotics currently used is constantly on the rise, thus posing a serious threat to human health. Control of microorganisms is essential to prevent the transmission of diseases and infections and to prevent unwanted microbial contamination. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new strategies by which pathogenic bacteria could be eliminated. The spread of microorganisms can controlled by using physical and chemical agents. Physical agents include control methods such as high or low temperature, desiccation, radiation, osmotic pressure, filtration. The result of the action of these factors is related to their intensity, the duration of time the bacterial cell was exposed, the environment in which it activates, the cell structure, but also its sensitivity to one or more factors. That is why it is necessary to develop new strategies through which pathogenic bacteria can be easily annihilated, as alternatives to, or associated with, antibiotic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]