AFA Flashcards
What are bacteria?
Single-celled micro-organisms that do not depend on other organisms for life
Bacteria can be beneficial or harmful, and they reproduce asexually.
What defines viruses?
Non-cellular organisms that depend on other organisms to live and reproduce
Viruses can infect a variety of hosts, including humans, animals, and plants.
What are fungi?
Single-celled or multicellular organisms that can be pathogenic
Fungi can cause infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
What are protozoa?
Single-celled organisms that can only divide within a host organism
Protozoa can cause diseases such as malaria and amoebic dysentery.
What are Rickettsia?
Micro-organisms that require other living cells for growth but use oxygen, have metabolic enzymes and cell walls, and are susceptible to antibiotics
Rickettsia are often transmitted by arthropod vectors like ticks.
What are parasitic worms?
Macroscopic parasites that can live inside the body and derive nourishment from the host
Examples include tapeworms and roundworms.
What are the four factors necessary for infection to occur?
- A pathogen is present.
- There is enough of the pathogen to cause disease.
- A person is susceptible to the pathogen.
- There is a route of entry.
What is direct contact transmission?
A person touches bodily fluids from an infected person
This mode of transmission can lead to the spread of many infectious diseases.
What is indirect contact transmission?
A person touches an object that has touched the bodily fluids of an infected person
This includes surfaces or items contaminated with pathogens.
What is airborne transmission?
A person inhales droplets that become airborne when an infected person coughs or sneezes
Airborne diseases can spread rapidly in crowded places.
What is vector-borne transmission?
An animal or insect transmits pathogens through a bite
Common vectors include mosquitoes and ticks.
List precautions to prevent disease transmission.
- Practise good personal hygiene.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Follow other occupational/workplace procedures.
- Clean and disinfect equipment.
What is the first step in donning PPE?
Wash your hands.
This is essential to prevent contamination before putting on protective equipment.
List the steps involved in donning PPE.
- Wash your hands.
- Put on your gown.
- Put on your mask.
- Put on protective eyewear.
- Put on disposable gloves.
These steps ensure proper protection against transmissible respiratory illnesses.
What is the first step in doffing PPE?
Remove your disposable gloves.
This step is crucial to avoid contaminating yourself after patient care.
