MICROBIOLOGY

BACTERIA

• Also called germs or microbes
• Generally classified in two groups
• Pathogenic and Nonpatho

PATHOGENIC

• Can cause infection and disease
• Have distinct shapes
• Some produce toxins
• Can be spread by use of contaminated implements

NONPATHOGENIC

• Do not produce disease
• Can be very beneficial
• Approximately 70% of bacteria are nonpathogenic
• Saprophytes are nonpathogenic bacteria that live on dead matter

BACTERIOLOGY

COCCI

• Round shaped bacteria that appear singularly or in groups
• Staphylococci- pus forming bacteria in bunches or clusters, present in abscesses, pustules, or boils
• Streptococci- form in long chains can cause septicemia, strep throat, and other serious infections
• Diplococci- cells that grow in pairs and are the cause of certain infections like pneumonia

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BACILLI

• Most common form of bacteria
• Bar or rod shaped cells that can produce a variety of diseases including tetanus, influenza, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diptheria

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SPIRILLA

• Spiraled,coiled, corkscrew-shaped cells that cause highly contagious diseases such as syphilis and cholera

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ALL BACTERIA GO THROUGH A GROWTH CYCLE OF 2 STAGES

• Active stage
• Cells reproduce and grow rapidly
• Divide into form new cells
• Requires a dark, damp, dirty place

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• Inactive stage
• No growth occurs
• Form spores which are resistant to disinfectant
• Return to active stage when conditions become favorable

INFECTION CONTROL

SANITATION

• Lowest level of infection control
• Physical removal of debris which reduces the number of microbes present
• Removes organic matter (blood, skin particles) which may interfere with proper disinfection procedures

DISINFECTION

• Second level of infection control
• Using products or methods to kill or destroy bacteria and a broad spectrum of viruses
• Do no kill spores

STERILIZATION

• The highest level of infection control
• Destroys all small organisms including bacterial spores

IMMUNITY

• The body’s ability to destroy infectious agents
• Natural immunity- partially inherited, natural resistance to disease
• Passive immunity- occurs through vaccinations or injection of agents which stimulate immune response