Massachusetts State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

Which type of disinfectants are known to be powerful tuberculocidal agents?

1. Alcohol-based disinfectants

2. Phenolic disinfectants

3. Quaternary ammonium compounds

4. Aromatic disinfectants

The correct answer is: Phenolic disinfectants

Phenolic disinfectants are known to be powerful tuberculocidal agents because they contain phenol as their active ingredient, which has strong antimicrobial properties. These disinfectants are effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and are particularly noted for their ability to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis. Phenolics work by denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes, making them highly effective in clinical and esthetic settings where infection control is critical. Their use is commonly recommended in environments where high-level disinfection is necessary due to the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. In contrast, alcohol-based disinfectants, while effective against many types of bacteria and viruses, do not have the same level of efficacy against tuberculosis. Quaternary ammonium compounds, although useful for disinfecting non-critical surfaces, are also less effective against tuberculocidal bacteria. Aromatic disinfectants are not typically classified as a recognized category of disinfectants with established efficacy against tuberculosis.