1.1 Describe types of microbiological organisms that cause disease.
Disease-causing microorganisms are also called “pathogens.” Pathogens cause disease in their hosts. A pathogen may be bacteria, a virus, fungi, or a parasite.
Bacteria: These are microscopic organisms that rapidly replicate themselves after entering the body. They have the ability to release toxins that destroy tissues and cause illness. Not all bacteria are pathogenic; in fact, there are many types of bacteria that are not harmful to the body and even help with important bodily functions. Some antibiotics are prescribed for bacteria, but some bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics.
Viruses: This virus, which is smaller than bacteria, enters a host cell and replicates itself by producing hundreds of thousands of new viruses, which infect more cells. Viruses can be transmitted from one person to another in a variety of ways, including through contact with an infected person’s blood, contact with an infected person’s body fluid, and respiratory droplets that pass through the air.
Fungi: There are thousands of fungi species, some of which cause disease in humans. Fungi-related skin conditions that are common include athlete’s foot and ringworm, which are contagious and can spread from one person to another.
Protists: These are single-celled organisms that cause illness in humans. They infect other organisms in order to survive and reproduce. They affect plants and food crops, and any food containing protists can cause an infection of the intestines, resulting in diarrhoea, a condition known as dysentery. Protists can be parasitic, living in other organisms, such as mosquitoes, and malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites.
Other answers in the full document:
- 2.1. Explain the features of vector borne disease
- 3.1. Describe how pathogenic micro-organisms are transmitted.
- 3.2. Explain why individuals may be more vulnerable to infection.
- 3.3. Describe the body’s defence mechanisms against infection.
- 3.4. Explain how to break the chain of infection.
- 4.1. Explain methods of micro-organism control:
- 5.1. Explain the importance of personal hygiene and attire in relation to infection control.
- 5.2. Explain the correct hand-washing technique.
- 5.3. Explain the use of personal protective equipment.
- 5.4. Explain the process of safe waste disposal for:
– Body fluids
– Linen
– Sharps and equipment - 6.1. Use the correct hand-washing technique.
- 6.2. Use personal protective equipment.
- 6.3. Dispose of waste safely.
- 7.1. Evaluate the use of drugs to control and treat infectious diseases.
- 7.2. Explain how antimicrobial resistance occurs.
- 8.1. Explain the requirements of RIDDOR in relation to infection prevention and control.
- 8.2. Explain the requirements of COSHH in relation to infection prevention and control.
- 9.1. Analyse the role and responsibilities of the health and social care practitioner in relation to infection prevention and control