Microbiology Final (Sessions 2 - 8, Diseases and Biosafety) Flashcards
What causes anthrax?
Bacteria (bacillus anthracis)
What is the treatment for anthrax?
antibiotics
How is anthrax transmitted?
Spores get into the body (breathed in, ingested, through scrape or cut, injection).
How do you diagnose anthrax?
Measuring antibodies or toxin in blood. Testing for B.anthracis in body fluid or tissues.
How can you prevent anthrax?
Vaccine only given to high risk people. Antibiotics in exposed people.
Anthrax threat to health care providers.
Unlikely to be a high risk of infection.
What do you call a pathogen that can cause disease in both humans and animals and is transferable between them?
Zoonotic pathogen
The main difference between risk group 3 and 4 is that the risk to public health is low is risk group 3, and high in risk group 4, despite the fact that the pathogens in each group are very likely to cause serious disease. What is the key fact that determines this difference?
Effective treatment and preventative measures are usually available in risk group 3 and not usually available in risk group 4.
Why can some certain risk group 1,2,3 pathogens be housed within a certain containment level that does not correspond to their risk group level?
Depending on the pathogens characteristics, and the work being done with the pathogen (planned activities), the level of containment can vary among the different risk groups.
Describe a risk group level 3.
The level 3 risk group is considered to be any pathogens or toxins that are high risk to individuals and animals with a low risk to the community.
Who are the only individuals likely to be affected by a risk group 1 (RG1) pathogen?
Immunocompromised individuals.
Ebola is a highly infectious, and lethal pathogen that can cause serious economical and health implications on a society, which level of contamination would it most likely be handled in?
Since Ebola is a highly lethal pathogen, it must be handled in containment level four, due to that level having specific engineered controls that help prevent the spread of any pathogens from the laboratory.
Name the 4 risk groups and briefly explain what each group means and provide an example of each.
Risk group 1: A pathogen that has been determined a low health risk for individuals and the public. Example: Lactobacillus acidophilus-
Risk group 2: A pathogen presenting a moderate health risk to individuals but low risk for the public. Example: Listeria monocytogenes
Risk group 3: A pathogen presenting a high risk to individuals but low risk to the public. Example: SARS
Risk group 4: A pathogen presenting a high risk for both the public and individuals. Example: Ebola Virus
Why should we document right after an incident occurs?
To promote the accuracy of the information documented with complete detail and diminish the effect of a recall bias. It is also useful because then the information gathered can allow for valid comparison with other incidents.
What is an example for the route of exposure Inoculation?
Getting poked by a dirty needle
Give three reasons why LAI’s are underreported.
a. Many LAI’s are asymptomatic (the individual doesn’t even realize they have an infection
b. Many workers feel there is a possibility of punishment
c. Many countries don’t have a legal requirement or mechanism to report
What is the difference between an accident and an incident?
An accident is an event that results in injury or damage whereas an incident is an event that has the potential to cause injury or damage.
Why are laboratory acquired infections dangerous?
Because an infected worker may pose a risk for secondary transmission to the general public.
Why is it important to report any incidence of exposure or contact with a microbe?
Some microbes may be symptomatic or asymptomatic so its important to be extra cautious to protect the general public and also receive medical attention for any exposures.
What is an exposure? What are the different routes of exposure?
Exposure is coming in contact with or very close to an infectious biological material. The different routes of exposure are: i. Inhalation (via aerosols) ii. Inoculation (needle sticks or bites) iii. Ingestion (through the mouth or contamination of food and drink) iv. Absorption (through splashes or spills on skin and mucous membranes).
What kind of source of infection is a concern for blood borne viruses?
Needle, syringe
What is the greatest biohazard facing laboratory workers?
Airborne particles
The inconsistent use of _______ and the questionable integrity of them has been anecdotally associated with LAI’s.
Gloves
Whose responsibility is it to make sure that decontamination occurs properly, and should you trust other to have followed decontamination protocol accurately?
Everyone who comes in contact with pathogens should take responsibility to promote health and safety by decontaminating materials. It should not be assumed that tools and surfaces have been decontaminated properly by others. If you are unsure and feel their may be a hazard, it is your responsibility to keep yourself and others safe by decontaminating them again before use.