1. 1 Identify the differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Bacteria- is a microscopic organisms. They are living cells and they can multiply rapidly. Once bacteria are in the body they release poisons/toxins that make us feel ill. Not all bacteria gives us infections as bacteria is everywhere. Some examples of bacteria infections are: typhoid, whooping cough, food poisoning and cholera. Viruses- they are the smallest organisms known. Viruses can only grow and reproduce inside other living cells. Many viruses cannot survive very long outside their host cells.
There are many common viruses such as Common Cold, Chicken Pox, Flu, Herpes, HIV/AIDS, Mumps, Measles and rubella. There are many more. They are contagious and spread from person to person when a virus enters the body and begins to multiply. You can not treat a viral infections with antibiotics, your immune system will attack the virus and then your body will recover. Fungi- is a group of organisms that includes yeasts, molds and mushrooms. Fungi prefers to live in damp conditions. There are many Fungi that are not dangerous for example baker’s yeast or edible mushrooms but some cause infection.
Fungal infections are contagious which means they can spread from one person to another. There are risk to catch a fungal infection such as dampness and humidity, poor blood circulation and nail and skin injury or infection. Most fungal infections are treated with anti-fungal drugs, you can also get creams, drops or ointments. A way to prevent a fungal infection is good hygiene. Parasites- is an organism that lives on or in an organism of another species. Parasites can cause infections in humans. Some are really easy to treat others are not. Parasites are a big problem in topical and subtropical regions.
There are 3 main parasites that cause infections they are Protozoa, Helminths and Ectoparasites. Parasite infections can be spread in many different ways such as contaminated water, waste, blood and through foods that have been mishandled or undercooked. Some infections can be spread by insects that act as a carrier of a disease while feeding on the host, for example malaria which is spread by mosquitoes. Anyone can get a parasite infections. Some parasite infection can be treated by medication but some can not be treated by medication.
1. 2 Identify common illnesses and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Commode illness and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are: common colds, flu, mumps, chicken pox’s, athletic foot and ring worm. 1. 3 describe what is meant by “infections” and “colonization” Infections means the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that are not normally present within the body and Colonization is the process where a species spreads into new areas which can cause infection. 1. 4 Explain what is meant by “systemic infection” and “localized infection”
A systemic infection is when it is in the blood stream and has spread through the body for example septicemia is a systemic infection. A localized infection is when the infection is only in one small area such as a small infected cut. Localized infection can become a systemic infection. 1. 5 Identify poor practices that may lead to the spread of infections. Poor practices that may lead to the spread of infection are: not washing your hands, not wearing PPE, not storing or cooking foods properly and not cleaning your surroundings. Also not covering your nose or mouth when sneezing orcoug hing can cause infections.
2. Understand the transmission of infection 2. 1 Explain the conditions needed for the growth of micro-organisms Micro-organisms only grow in certain conditions, which are warmth, moisture and nutrients. They grow at a rapid pace. 2. 2 explain the ways an infective agent might enter the body. An infective agent can enter the body in various ways which are mouth, nose, skin, ear and eyes. 2. 3 Identify common sources of infections. The main common sources of infection are water, sick people and animals. Also could be poor housing. 2.
4 Explain how infective agents can be transmitted to a person. Infective agents can be transmitted to person by direct and indirect contact. Direct contact which is person to person contact by touching or exchanges body fluids and indirect contact which means that can be spread though the air. 2. 5 Identify the key factors that will make it more likely that infection will occur. An infection is more likely to occur if a person has a low immunity or is on antibiotic long term. Also poor hygiene when treating wounds or dealing with person care will make an infection more likely to occur.