MICROORGANISMS

Objectives: Identify 5 classes of microorganisms Differentiate between pathogens and non pathogens Identify some common diseases cause by pathogens

Diseases are caused by a variety of germs (pathogens). Healthcare workers MUST understand the different types of: pathogens (germs), Ways pathogens are spread

This allows the HCW (Healthcare Worker) to take precautions to prevent the spread of disease

Microorganisms (2 types) Non-Pathogen (a microorganism that does not cause a disease) Pathogen (a microorganism that causes infection or diseases) Some microorganisms live in 1 system but cause infection if get into another

PATHOGENS Microorganism-small, living organism that are not visible to the naked eye that can cause an infection Must be viewed under a microscope Found everywhere in the environment On and off the human body

5 classes of Microorganisms Bacteria Protozoa Fungi Rickettsiae Viruses

#1 Bacteria: Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria Some strains of bacteria are resistant to antibiotics Must continually develop newer antibiotics to treat bacteria Staphylococci, streptococci, meningitis,Pneumonia, toxic shock, boils, wound infections

Cocci Round

Cocci/Pairs Called diplococci Cause disease such as gonorrhea, pneumonia, & Meningitis

Cocci Bacteria/Clusters Staphylococci MRSA Cause pus Infections

Strep Throat/Chains of Cocci

Rods TB, Pertussis

TB, Pertussis, Botulism

Spirillus (spiral-shaped) bacteria Cause syphilis and cholera

Syphilis

#2 Protozoa: 1-celled animal like organisms Often found in decayed materials and contaminated water. Some are pathogenic and cause diseases

Protozoa Have tails/enable to swim Malaria, African sleeping sickness, Trichomonas

#3 Fungi: Plant like organisms Live on dead organic matter Yeasts & Molds Cause ringworm, thrush Yeast Vaginitis Not killed by antibiotics

Fungi

Thrush

#4 Rickettsiae Parasitic organisms Cannot live outside of body Lice Ticks Fleas Can cause Typhus , lyme disease

#5 Viruses Smallest of microorganisms Cannot reproduce without a living cell Major risk to healthcare workers as they are blood borne Examples include Hepatitis B, C & HIV Cannot be cured with Antibiotics

Viruses (Con’t) Cause: Colds, measles, flu, warts, chicken pox Herpes Hepatitis B and C Aids polio

HIV

A Syndrome A group of symptoms in a particular disease