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MCB 405 Dr. M-1-1

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Principles of Infection
Understanding the basic principles of infection is essential for any health care worker in any field of
health care.

1. Disease transmission
2. Prevention of disease transmission

Nature of Microorganisms

 Microorganisms (microbes) are small, living organisms that are not visible to the
naked eye
 Pathogens (germs) are microorganisms that cause disease
 Non-pathogens are microorganisms that do not cause disease; can be beneficial
 At times, a microorgansism that is beneficial in one body system can become
pathogenic when it is present in another body system.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria:
* large intestine: beneficial, part of the natural flora.
* Urinary system: causes an infection

Non Pathogens

 Some microorganisms can be beneficial in other kinds of environments:


- Support the production of bread, cheese, yogurt, beer and several other foods and
beverages.
- Contribute to the health of soil for farming
- Aid in purifying water.

Types of Microorganisms

 Bacteria
- Simple, one celled microorganisms that are classified according to their shape and
arrangement.
- Cause diseases such as strep throat, pneumonia, meningitis and tuberculosis.
- Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria – however some strains have become resistant
- Less than 1% of bacteria are harmful
- There are more bacteria in our mouths than human living on the planet.

Types of Bacteria

 Streptococci (chains)
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 Staphylococci (clusters)
 Dipplococci (pairs)
 Micrococci (tiny)
 Flagellated forms (tails)
 Bacilli (rod-shaped)
 Vibrios
 Spirilla (spiral)
 Spirochetes (comma)

Fungi

- A plantlike organism that lives on dead organic matter


- Yeasts and molds can be pathogenic
- Cause conditions such as ringworm athlete’s foot, yeast infections and thrush
- Antibiotics do not kill fungi. Antifungal medications are available but expensive and may
cause liver damage

Protozoa

- One-celled animal like organisms often found in decayed materials and contaminated water
- Many contain flagella which allow them to move freely
- Cause diseases such as malaria, trichomonas, and amoebic dysentery.

Ricketssiae

- Parasites that live inside the cells of other living organisms


- Commonly found in fleas, lice, ticks and mites and are transmitted to humans by the bites of
these insects.
- Cause diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus fever
- Antibiotics are effective against ,many different Ricketssiae

Viruses

- Smallest of all microorganisms-visible only using electron microscope


- Cannot reproduce unless they are inside another living cell.
- Spread by contact with blood and other body fluids
- Difficult to destroy. Not affected by antibiotics
- Associated with diseases such as the common cold, chicken pox, herpes, hepatitis B,
measles, warts, polio, influenza and AIDS.
 Three Viruses are of major concern to the health care worker

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- Hepatitis B – leads to destruction and scarring of liver cells. Vaccine is available


- Hepatitis C – also causes serious liver damage, No vaccine. Often misdiagnosed as the flu
- AIDS/HIV – suppresses the immune system. No cure and no vaccine

Factors that influence Microbial Growth

 Following factors influence microbial growth:


- Temperature
- pH or the values used in chemistry to express the degrees of acidity or alkalinity of a
substance
- Darkness
- Food
- Moisture
- Oxygen

Factors That Influence Microbial Growth

 Aerobic microbes – live only in the presence of oxygen


 Anaerobic microbes – grow best in the absence of oxygen

Causing an infection

 Pathogenic microorganisms cause infection and disease in different ways.


- Produce poisons (toxins) which harm the body Ex: Tetanus
- Allergic reaction in the body causing runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing.
- Attack and destroy the living cells they invade Ex. Malaria (rbc’s)
- Endogenous – disease originates within the body. Ex: metabolic disorders,
congenital abnormalities, tumors
- Exogenous – disease originates outside the body. Ex: chemical agents, electriuc
shock, trauma.
- Nosocomial – acquired by an individual in a health care facility (workers to
patient).
Many are antibiotic resistant, life-threatnening
- Opportunistic – occur when the body’s defenses are weak. Ex: pneumonia w/AIDS
- In order for disease to occur and spread from one individual to another, certain
conditions must be met.
- If any one condition is not met, the transmission of the disease will not happen.
- Pathogens are everywhere and preventing their transmission is a continuous
process
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Image (Break the chain of infection)

Chain of infection

 Infectious agent – pathogen such as a bacteria or virus.


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 Reservoir – a place the pathogen can live


- Examples: human body, animals, the environment, fomites
- Fomites are objects contaminated with infectious material that contains
pathogens.
Ex: doorknobs, bedpans, linens, instruments.
 Portal of Exit – way to escape from the reservoir in which it has been growing.
- Urine
- Feces
- Saliva
- Respiratory tract
- Skin
- Blood
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Mucous discharge
- Tears
 Mode of Transmission – way in which it can be transmitted to another reservoir or
host wherer it can live
- Can be throught direct contact or airborne droplet
- Contaminated hands are one of the most common sources of direct transmissions.
Hand washing is one of the most effective means of preventing the spread of pathogens.
 Portal of Entry – way to enter the new reservoir or host
- Respiratory tract, mucous membranes and gastrointestinal tract are common
- Damaged skin
 Susceptible Host – one that is capable of being infected.
- Microorganisms must be present in large enough quantity to be virulent
- The host must be susceptible
- Individuals with an immunioty to certain pathogens will not be susceptible

Body Defenses
 If defense mechanisms are intact and the human system is functioning, a human can frequently
fight off the causative agent and not contract disease.
- Mucous membranes (traps pathogens)
- Cilia (Propel pathogens out of respiratory tract)
- Coughing and sneezing
- Hydrochloric acid (stomach)
- Tears in the eyes (con tain bacteriocidal chemicals)

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- Fever
- Inflammation (wbc’s destroy pathogens)
- Immune response (Produce antibodies)

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

 Redness
 Swelling
 Tenderness
 Warmth
 Drainage
 Red streaks leading away from wound

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