Diseases Hazardous to Embalmers

Question 1

Legionnaire’s disease (legionellosis)

Answer 1

Caused by Legionella pneumophila, a respiratory disease first recognized in 1976

Question 2

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Answer 2

MRSA, a pathologic bacterial staph infection

Question 3

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)

Answer 3

• A pathologic bacteria found in open wounds and feces

- Associated with invasive devices such as urinary catheters and nasogastric tubes – found in long-term hospitalizations

Question 4

Cancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Answer 4

CRSA, a pathologic bacteria similar to VRE

Question 5

Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA)

Answer 5

• A pathologic bacteria may be seen in patients with chronic diabetes and kidney disease
• Found in open wounds

Question 6

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

Answer 6

Fatal disease caused by a prion, a causative agent that is very difficult if almost impossible to destroy that appears to be concentrated in cerebrospinal fluid

Question 7

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Answer 7

• Retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficency syndrome (AIDS)
• Identified in 1984
• Causes a loss of immune functions and the subsequent development of opportunistic infections
• Spread through direct contact with contaminated body fluids

Question 8

Hepatitis

Answer 8

• An inflammation of the liver brought about by several recognized viruses
• Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, G, and GBV
• Hepatitis A and E are transmitted via the FECAL-ORAL oral route
• Hepatitis B, C, D, G, and GBV are BLOODBORNE diseases

Question 9

Tuberculosis

Answer 9

• Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Most commonly affects the respiratory system but is capable of affecting almost any body system or area
• Has a multi-drug resistant variant
• Extremely hazardous to individuals with lowered or compromised immunity