TABLE 1.

Examples of bacterial inactivation

Scenario	Description	Examples of causes
1	Rapid loss of cytoplasmic membrane integrity, resulting in immediate and catastrophic loss of homeostasis, cellular functions, and culturability	Surfactants (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds)
2	Rapid and nearly simultaneous oxidation or denaturation of multiple targets, including the cytoplasmic membrane, proteins, ribosomes, and/or DNA	Oxidative disinfectants (e.g., chlorine, peroxide), organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, phenol), heat
3	Rapid physical inactivation of a narrow range of targets, resulting in rapid loss of viability followed by slower decay (over hours or days) of cellular components, including the cytoplasmic membrane	UV, solar disinfection, low-temp pasteurization
4	Inactivation of a specific and essential target (e.g., DNA, RNA, and protein biosynthetic enzymes), resulting in rapid loss of viability followed by slower decay (over hours or days) of cellular components, including the cytoplasmic membrane	Antibiotics such as rifamycins, macrolides, aminoglycosides, and quinolones