Frequently Asked Questions

Bacteria are single-celled living organisms ubiquitous in every habitat on Earth.  They are both harmful and useful to the environment and animals, including humans. Some bacteria act as pathogens and cause disease and illness.

Anaerobic bacteria are bacteria that do not require oxygen for growth. These bacteria cannot live or grow in the presence of oxygen.

Aerobic bacteria are bacteria that have an oxygen-based metabolism. Aerobes use oxygen to oxidize substrates (for example sugars and fats) in order to obtain energy.

A pathogen or infectious agent is a biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host. A pathogen can be a bacteria, a virus, fungi or a parasite.

A germ or bug is an informal term for a pathogen, particularly bacteria.

A virus is a submicroscopic parasitic particle that infects cells in biological organisms. Examples of diseases caused by viruses include the common cold, smallpox, and HIV. Connections are being studied which may link viruses to neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

A fungus (plural fungi) is an organism that digests its food externally and absorbs the nutrient molecules into its cells. Fungi occur in every environment on earth and play very important roles in most ecosystems. Some fungi are parasites on plants and animals, including humans. They are responsible for numerous diseases, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm in humans.

Yeasts are single-celled fungi, a few species of which are commonly used to leaven bread and ferment alcoholic beverages. A few yeasts, such as Candida albicans, can cause infection in humans.

Moulds, or mold, are various fungi that cover surfaces in the form of biofilm and usually produce masses of spores. Mould is often a problem in damp areas such as basements and bathrooms, and after floods. It can be seen on surfaces of walls but also grows deep within, and produces a distinctive dusty, slightly pungent smell. It grows on food in closed containers, even in refrigerators.

A spore is a reproductive mechanism that is adapted for dispersion and surviving for extended periods of time in unfavourable conditions.

A microorganism or microbe is an organism that is microscopic (invisible to the naked eye). Microorganisms are often illustrated using single-celled, or unicellular organisms.

Algae range from single-celled organisms to multi-cellular organisms, some with fairly complex differentiated forms and (if marine) called seaweeds. All algae have photosynthetic machinery ultimately derived from the cyanobacteria and produce oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis.  Algae are usually found in damp places or bodies of water and thus are common in terrestrial as well as aquatic environments

A biofilm is a complex aggregation of microorganisms marked by the excretion of a protective and adhesive slimy matrix. Biofilms can contain many different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, protozoa and algae. Biofilms have been implicated in a wide variety of microbial infections in the body, including common problems such as urinary tract infections, catheter infections, middle ear infections, the formation of dental plaque, gingivitis (gum disease) and coatings on contact lenses. Biofilms cause the spread of infection through drinking water and are a major problem in wounds, where they protect the pathogens from attempts to kill the germs.

Because HOCl caused the eradication of disease-forming micro-organisms through a physical destruction of the germs, they cannot develop resistance against its use.