Intro to Health Science

Infection Control and Bioterrorism

Small living organism Found everywhere, including the human

body Many are normal to have

◦ Nonpathogens Some cause disease/infection

◦ Pathogens/germs

Microorganism

Some nonpathogens can become pathogens if they spread to other parts of the body◦ E. coli is in your large intestine but if it enters the

urinary system is causes infection

Microorganism

Warm environment Darkness

◦ Many are killed quickly by sunlight Source of food and moisture Need for oxygen varies

◦ Aerobic need it◦ Anaerobic do not

Factors required for growth

The human body is ideal for all of the conditions… YUCK!

Think about it…

Kill bacteria Some strains are resistant

◦ MRSA

Antibiotics

Hepatitis B◦ Transmitted by blood and body secretions◦ Affects liver◦ Vaccine available◦ Healthcare workers MUST get it for free from

employer

Viral diseases healthcare workers should be cautious of:

Hepatitis C◦ Transmitted by blood and body secretions◦ Cause serious liver damage◦ Not vaccine◦ Can remain active for several days in dried blood

Viral diseases healthcare workers should be cautious of:

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)◦ Caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)◦ Suppresses immune system◦ No cure and no vaccine◦ PREVENTION IS KEY!!!

Viral diseases healthcare workers should be cautious of:

Endogenous◦ Infection/disease originates in the body

Exogenous◦ Infection/disease originates outside the body

Nosocomial◦ Acquired in a healthcare facility

Opportunistic◦ Occur when immune system is suppressed

Diseases and Infections

Levels of aseptic control Antisepsis: prevent/inhibit growth of

pathogenic organisms but not effective against spores and viruses

Disinfection: kills pathogenic organisms and some spores and viruses

Sterilization: destroys all microorganisms

Use of microorganisms as weapons to infect humans, animals, or plants◦ 1346: Tartar army threw bodies of dead plague

victims over walls of Caffa and caused an epidemic◦ 1763: British army gave Native Americans blankets

and handkerchiefs infected with smallpox◦ Germans used it in WWI◦ Japanese did experiments on POW in WWII◦ US, Canada, SU, and GB developed plans of attack in

1960’s◦ Release of sarin gas in Tokyo in 1995◦ Anthrax mail attack in US 2001

Bioterrorism