Bacteriology and Infection Flashcards
(41 cards)
Bacteria Definition
One celled, micro organisms with plant/animal characteristics
Other names for bacteria?
Germs and microbes
Where can they be found?
Skin, water, air, free edge of fingernails
Why are pathogens harmful?
They can cause disease and infection when they are in the body
Cocci? Movement?
Round shaped, either singular/in groups.
Rarely shows active motility, transmitted in the air/dust/substance they settle in.
Bacilli? Movement?
Short, rod shaped
Motile, using hair-like projection to move (flagella/cilia)
Spirillum? Movement?
Spiral shaped
Motile, using hair-like projection to move (flagella/cilia)
Motile Definition?
Self-movement
Phases in a Bacteria’s Life Cycle?
Active/vegetative, and inactive/spore forming
Describe the active stage
- Growing and reproducing
- Multiplies best in warm/dark/damp/dirty places with sufficient food available
- After reaching the largest size, divides into two cells (mitosis)
- When conditions are unfavourable, becomes inactive
Describe the inactive stage
- Can coat themselves with a waxy outer shells (able to withstand long periods of dryness/unsuitable temperatures)
- Spores can be blown about
- Not harmed by disinfectant/heat/cold
- When conditions are favourable, spores can become active
Examples of bacteria that can coat themselves with a waxy outer shell
Anthrax, tetanus bacilli
Why do infections occur?
The body is unable to cope with bacteria and its toxins
Pathogenic Infection?
Enters the body through a cut, mouth, nose, eyes and ears
- Can be prevented/controlled with personal hygiene/public sanitation
Local Infection?
A boil/pimple containing pus
General Infection?
When the bloodstream carries bacteria and its toxins to all parts of the body
Bacterial Infection Prevention?
Disease become contagious/communicable when it spread from one person to another by contact
- Unclean hands/implements, open sours, pus, mouth/nose discharge, shared drinking cups/towels
Parasites?
Organisms that live on other living organisms without giving anything in return
Plant parasites/fungus?
Molds/mildews/yeast produce contagious diseases
Animal parasites?
Responsible for head lice/itch mites (scabies)
Viruses can past through…
Pores of a filter
Virus Definition?
Capable of infection of almost all plants/animals/bacteria
Virus Examples?
Common cold, other respiratory/gastrointestinal infections, measles, mumps, chicken pox, smallpox, rabies, yellow fever, polio, influenza, HIV, AIDS
Hepatitis? Types?
Inflammation of the liver caused by a blood=borne virus, present in all body fluids of an infected person
A: Flue like, spread through poor sanitation, food, or person to person
B: Vaccine available
C: No vaccine available
