The Causes and Spread of Infection

1.1 Identify the differences between bacteria, viruses,

fungi and parasites
Viruses are different from all other infectious
microorganisms because they are the only group of
microorganisms that cannot replicate outside of a host cell.
Because viruses are not cells. A virus is simply RNA or DNA in
a coat called capsid made of proteins called capsomeres.
Viruses are so small that they can only be seen with an
electron microscope. Viruses infect plants, animals (including
protists), fungi, bacteria and blue green algae. They are
normally spread directly from human to human. Viruses can
be very tough and there are not many effective medicines
available for viral diseases.
There are currently 21 families of viruses known to cause
disease in humans.

Bacteria are ten to 100 times larger than viruses. They are
typically 1 to 3 microns in length. can be rod
shaped(bacillus), spherical(cocci), spiral shaped(spirillum) and
comma shaped(vibrio). Some bacteria live and multiply in the
environment while others are adapted to life within human
or animal hosts. Some bacteria can double in number every
fifteen minutes while others take weeks or months to
multiply. The majority of bacteria are harmless and beneficial
to the human body but some can cause infectious diseases. A
bacterium usually affects one part of the body and doesn’t
spread across or through the body. Bacterial infections are
normally treated with a course of antibiotics.

A parasite is any organism that depends upon another

organism called host for its survival usually causing harm to
the host. But some organisms such as male anglerfish which
lives as a parasite on the female neither harm nor benefit the
host. So, a parasite can be a plant, animal, fungus, bacteria or
[virus]. Organisms such as Nostos, Anabaena, or human gut
bacteria cannot be termed as parasites as they benefit the
host.
Parasites are organisms that need other organism for their
survival. They draw nourishment and other needs from their
host organism. Parasites that cause infection and disease are
known as Pathogenic parasites.
Parasites are those micro-organisms which depend on other
organisms (hosts) for their survival. Both virus and bacteria
could be parasites.

Fungi like to grow in warm, moist places. Some fungi can be

beneficial to us such as penicillin, but certain types of fungi
can be harmful to our health. Like bacteria and viruses, some
fungi can act as pathogens. Human fungal diseases can occur
due to infection or fungal toxins. Symptoms of fungal
diseases can be as common as itching, coughing, fever,
wheezing, but they can also be as serious as meningitis or
even death.
1.2 Identify common illnesses and infections caused by
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
Illnesses/infections caused by:
Bacteria: Salmonellosis, tuberculosis, MRSA, coccidiosis, food
poisoning, dysentery, bronchitis, ear infections, strep
throat/tonsillitis, pneumonia, gonorrhoea, syphilis,
chlamydia.
Viruses: Influenza, common cold, stomach flu, pneumonia,
ear infections, HIV/AIDS, herpes, warts, dengue, West Nile
Virus, encephalitis.
Fungi: Valley fever, athlete's foot, ringworm, yeast infection.
Parasites: Worms, schistosomiasis, malaria, sleeping sickness
(trypanosomiasis), leishmaniasis.

1.3 Describe what is meant by ‘infection’ and ‘colonisation’

Colonisation occurs whenever any one or more species
populate an area and infection is the invasion of body tissues
by disease-causing microorganisms, their multiplication and
the reaction of body tissues to these microorganisms and the
toxins that they produce.

1.4 Explain what is meant by ‘systemic infection’ and

‘localised infection’
 Systemic means it's in the blood stream and is
spreading/has spread through the body. Septicaemia is an
example of a systemic infection.
Localised means the infection is restricted to one small area
only. An infected cut or ulcer is an example of this.
A localised infection can spread and become systemic.

1.5 Identify poor practices that may lead to the spread of

Infection
Poor practices that may lead to a spread of infection include:
-Lack or poor hand hygiene,
-Inadequate vaccination,
-Lack or incorrect use of PPE,
-Not storing or cooking food correctly,
-Incorrect dispose of waste,
-Airborne infection,
-Contaminated bed linen or clothing.

2.1 Explain the conditions needed for the growth of

Micro-organisms
Temperature- the ideal temperature for bacteria to
multiply is around 37 degrees C, the average human body
temperature. Food-poisoning bacteria multiply at
temperatures between 5 to 63 degrees C. Freezing can make
bacteria dormant but it does not kill them.
Humidity/moisture- in order to stay alive, they need moisture
to stay alive. Bacteria will grow and multiply on moist skin
and damp areas.
Nutrients – bacteria need nutrients to survive, food-
poisoning bacteria prefer food that is moist and with a high
level of protein, such as meat, eggs, milk, shellfish.
Time – when bacteria lives in warm, moisture and nutrient
will reproduce quickly.

2.2 Explain the ways an infective agent might enter the

Body
Usually, infective agent might enter the body through:
-respiratory system- inhalation – breathing in airborne
bacteria,
-digestive system – ingested- eating contaminated food,
-breaks in the skin direct contact with cuts and grazes,
surgical wounds).
-Other ways can be urinary and genital tract and conjunctiva.

2.3 Identify common sources of infection

There are many common sources of infection such as:
-contaminated equipment,
-contaminated water and food,
-contact with ill people,
-PPE or uniforms,
-body fluids,
-airborne.

2.4 Explain how infective agents can be transmitted to a

person
There are different methods by which the pathogens can
get from reservoir (where the micro-organism lives and
reproduces) to the new host, such as:
-Directly – actual contact with an infected person.
-Indirectly – contact with contaminated surfaces touched by
infected person or where droplets of body fluid have landed.
-Airborne – by breathing infected particles released when an
infected person cough or sneeze.
-Consumption of contaminated water or food.
-Exposure to blood.

2.5 Identify the key factors that will make it more likely that
Infection will occur
Key factors that can make it more likely for infection to
occur are:
-poor infection control practices
-physical and psychological well-being
-weak immune system
-age – vulnerable people (elderly, babies)
-lack of immunisation
-poor hygiene
-medical interventions and medical therapies, such as
chemotherapy.