1. BASIC MICROBIOLOGY

2. Definition
Microbiology is the science that studies living organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye (microorganisms or microbes)

3. Nature of Microorganisms
Most microorganisms are harmless, some are beneficial and others harmful (pathogenic) causing disease
eg. E. coli from the colon (breaks down waste/makes vitamin K) can enter the urinary tract and cause an infection

4. Types of Microorganisms
Major types are:
Bacteria
Fungi
Protozoa (protists, parasites)
Viruses

5. Transmission or Spread of Microorganisms
Vectors – usually an animal or insect that carries the microorganism
Airborne - spread through the air by people's coughing and sneezing
Direct contact - an infected person touching a surface and then another person touching that surface
Fecal-oral - contaminated hands, food and water
Sexually Transmitted – direct transfer of bodily fluids (blood, semen)

6. Transmission or Spread of Microorganisms

7. Bacteria most familiar of the microbes that infect humans
classified by their shape and arrangement
Type
Shape
Arrangement
Diplococci
Round
in pairs
Staphylococci
in groups or clusters
Streptococci
in chains
Bacilli
Rod-shaped
in pairs, single, or in chains
Spirilli
Cork-screw or spiral
single

9. Bacterial Resistance What is the proper way to take your antibiotics?
Why are you not prescribed antiobiotics every time that you have some type of flu or cold symptoms?
What is MRSA?
What are nosocomial infections?

10. Fungi Once classified as plants but they don’t undergo photosynthesis
Saprophytes – feed on dead or decaying material
Thrive in moist environments
Examples (mould, mildew, yeast)
Cause some diseases in humans
Ringworm
Athlete’s foot
Thrush
Poisonous

11. Ringworm Skin infection causing severe itching (scalp, groin, beard)
If left untreated can be passed on to others by direct or indirect contact, infected wrestling mats
Treated with fungicides, antifungal creams

12. Athlete’s Foot Related to dirty showers and running shoes
Moist area between toes

13. Thrush – yeast infection

14. Protists (Protozoa) Also known as parasites Mostly unicellular
Eukaryotes
Thrive in moist environments
Cause disease in humans
Malaria
Food poisoning
Leishmaniasis
Trypanosomiasis

15. Disease from Protists Malaria Food poisoning Leishmaniasis
Food poisoning
Leishmaniasis
Trypanosomiasis

16. Viruses
A virus is a microorganism that reproduces inside the cells of living hosts
viruses attach to and enter the host cell and force the cell into making more viruses
Viruses can cause diseases in humans (HIV, common cold, Zika, Ebola)
Death of the host cell leads to symptoms
Some viruses remain dormant in the body for long periods without symptoms (herpes, chicken pox virus)
Viruses are usually completely eliminated by a healthy immune system,
Antibiotics have no effect on viruses,
Vaccines that produce lifelong immunity can prevent some viral infections.