Infection Control · single question
What is the mechanism of action of alcohol-based hand sanitizers?
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Correct answer: C. Protein denaturation
Protein denaturation is the primary mechanism — alcohols denature proteins and disrupt membranes of microorganisms.
- A. ❌ Alkylation of DNA is the mechanism of glutaraldehyde/ethylene oxide, not alcohol.
- B. ❌ Sulfhydryl oxidation is the mechanism of iodophors.
- C. ✅ CORRECT – Alcohol sanitizers primarily work through protein denaturation.
- D. ❌ Membrane disruption also occurs but is secondary to protein denaturation.
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