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.