Microbiology Flashcards
Bacteriology (4); viruses, immunity, parasites, bacteria
Virus
a parasitic submicroscopic particle that infects and resides in cells of biological organisms. A virus is capable of replication only through taking over the host cell’s reproductive function. They can only live IF they take over other cells and become part of them. Not affected by antibiotics.
Types of viruses
measles, mumps, chicken pox, smallpox, rabies, yellow fever, hepatitis, polio, influenza, and HIV, which causes AIDS.
Bacteria
One celled microorganisms having both plant and animal characteristics. Some are harmful and some are harmless. Thousands of different kinds of bacteria that fall into two categories; nonpathogenic and pathogenic. Bacteria can live and reproduce on their own. Can be treated with an antibiotic.
Nonpathogenic bacteria
most bacteria are nonpathogenic. They are harmless organisms that may perform useful functions. They are safe to come into contact with.
Pathogenic bacteria
harmful to microorganisms that can cause disease or infection in humans when they invade the body.
3 bacteria shapes
Cocci, bacilli, and spirilla.
Cocci
round shaped bacteria that appear singly (alone).
Staphylococci
pus forming bacteria that grow in clusters like bunches of grapes. They cause abscesses, pustules, and boils.
Streptococci
pus forming bacteria arranged in curved lines resembling a string of beads. They cause infections such as strep throat and blood poisoning.
Diplococci
spherical bacteria that grow in pairs and cause diseases such as pneumonia.
Bacilli
short rod shaped bacteria. They are the most common bacteria and produce diseases such as tetanus (lockjaw), typhoid fever, tuberculosis, and diphtheria.
Spirilla
spiral or corkscrew shaped bacteria. Syphilis, an STD, and Lyme disease.
Cleaning
mechanical process using soap and water to remove all visible dirt, debris, and disease causing germs from tools, implements and equipment.
Disinfection
destroys most, but not necessarily all, harmful organisms on environmental surfaces. Not effective against bacterial spores. Disinfectants used in salons, spas and medical facilities must be bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal.
Bactericidal
capable of destroying bacterial
Virucidal
capable of destroying viruses
Fungicidal
capable of destroying fungi
Parasites
organisms that grow, feed, and shelter on or in another organism (host), while contributing nothing to the survival of that organism. Parasites must have a host to survive.
Direct transmission
transmission of blood or body fluids through touching, shaking hands, kissing, coughing, sneezing, and talking.
Indirect transmission
transmission of blood or body fluids through contact with an intermediate contaminated object such as a razor, extractor, nipper, or an environmental surface.
MRSA
methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus; initially appears as a skin infection such as pustules, rashes and boils that can be difficult to cure. Can show in people with weakened immune systems.
Contagious disease
or communicable disease; when a diseases spreads from one person to another person.
Hepatitis
blood borne virus that causes disease and can damage the liver. 3 types; A, B, and C.
HIV
human immunodeficiency virus; causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). AIDS is a disease that breaks down the body’s immune system. HIV is spread from person to person through blood, and less often, through other body fluids such as semen or vaginal secretions.
Fungi
microscopic plant parasites that include molds, mildews, and yeasts. The most basic cause of fungal infections are dermatophytes, the fungi that cause skin, nail, and hair infections.
Immunity
the ability of the body to destroy and resist infection.
Natural immunity
partly inherited and partly developed through healthy living
Acquired immunity
the body develops after overcoming a disease, through inoculation or through exposure to natural allergens such as pollen, cat dander, and ragweed.
Decontamination
the removal of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item’s surface and the removal of visible debris or residue such as dust, hair, and skin. Two types of decontamination.
Decontamination 1
cleaning and then disinfecting with an appropriate EPA registered disinfectant.
Decontamination 2
cleaning and then sterilizing.
Sterilization
process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores.
Bioburden
the number of viable organisms in or on an object or surface or the organic material on the surface of an object before decontamination or sterilization.
QUATS
quaternary ammonium compounds; disinfectants that are very effective when used properly in the salon or spa.
Phenolic disinfectants
tuberculocidal disinfectants; they are a form of formaldehyde, have a very high pH, and can damage the skin and eyes.
Household bleach/ sodium hypochlorite
5.25%, is an effective disinfectant.
Aseptic procedures
the process of properly handling sterilized and disinfected equipment and supplies to reduce contamination.
Sanitizers
are not cleaners!!! they don’t disinfect. They must be cleaned first and then disinfected after every use.
Antiseptics
germicides formulated for use on skin and registered and regulated by the FDA. They can contain alcohol or benzalkonium chloride, which is less drying to the skin than alcohol.
First degree burn
minor burn affecting the upper layers of the skin, primarily the epidermis, with some redness and irritation, but no blisters or open skin.
Second degree burn
affects the top two layers of the skin, the epidermis, and the dermis. More painful than the first degree burn and will show redness and blisters.
Third degree burn
affects all layers of the skin and will blister, swell, and scar. Can affect nerve damage.
Fourth degree burn
these burns have injured the muscle, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and bones. Requires medical attention!
