Which type of pathogen is typically too large to cross an intact dialysis membrane?

Bacteria are generally too large to cross an intact dialysis membrane. In the context of dialysis, membranes are designed to filter out waste products and excess fluids while allowing smaller molecules, such as electrolytes and urea, to pass through. Bacteria, due to their size (typically ranging from 0.5 to 5 micrometers), are effectively retained by the membrane, preventing them from entering the dialysate, which is vital for patient safety. In contrast, viruses, which are much smaller (measured in nanometers), can easily pass through dialysis membranes. Fungi and protozoa also have variable sizes, but many forms fall within a range that can be filtered by dialysis membranes, while bacteria are consistently too large. This size exclusion is crucial for preventing infections and maintaining the safety and efficacy of the dialysis treatment process.