Microbiology and prevention of infection

A group of microorganisms which lack a distinct nuclear membrane and may be unicellular.

Some parasitic bacteria causes diseases by producing poisons.

A minute particle that can replicate but only within living cells.

They can effect animals plants and microorganisms.

Arrising from outside or part of the body.

Applied from substances in the body derived from the diet rather than built up by the bodys own process of metabolism.

• Reduces number of microorganisms on hands
• Reduces risk of transmission of microorganisms to patients.
• Reduces risk of crosscontamination amongst patients.
• Reduces the risk of transmission of infectious organisms to onesself.

• Ateiological (agent)
• Resevoir (source)
• Portal of exit from resevoir
• Method (mode) of transmission
• Portal of entry to host
• Susceptable host

• 1 Person with flu
• 2 Resevoir = respiratory system
• 3 Portal of exit = Upper respirotory system ( mouth and nose)
• 4 Mode = Airbourne (sneeze)
• 5 Portal of entry =Upper respiratory system (breathe in)
• 6 People who are immunocompromised such as the elderly or people with immunocompromising diseases such as HIV

• Clean uniform-Change of clothes to and from work.
• PPE's (personal protective equipment) eg use of gloves and aprons when dealing with bodily fluids.
• Correct disposal of infected equipment eg clinical waste bags and sharp bins.
• Cleaning steralising and disinfecting equipment.
• Isolation precautions.

A microbe that is/are normally in the body but do not usually cause infection

eg those in the bowel.

In micro biology flora (plural floras) refers to collective bacteria and other microorganisms in an ecosystem.

Usually an animal host or a single part of its body.

Microorganism that parasitises on an animal, plant or human and produces a disease.

An infection whose development is favoured by a suitable environment such as a hospital where a patient acquires a HAI (Hospital Acquired Infection) such as MRSA.

Such infections include fungai and bacterial.

Invasion of the body by harmful organisms (Pathogens) such as fungai, bacteria and viruses (protozoa).

The bodys response to injury (defensive reaction) of tissue injury and may be caused by infection, chemical or physical agents.

The complete absence of bacteria, fungai, viruses or other microorganisms that could cause disease.

The ideal state to perform patient interventions.

Arrising within or derived from the body.

Such as that created by the process of metabolism.