Asepsis:
To decrease the possibility of transferring microorganisms from one place to another, aseptic technique is used.
The freedom from disease-causing microorganisms.
Medical Asepsis & Surgical Asepsis
2 Basic types of Asepsis are:
Medical Asepsis
Includes all practices intended to confine a specific microorganism to a specific area - Limiting the number, growth, and transmission of microorganisms.
1. Clean: Meaning the absence of almost all microorganisms.
2. Dirty: Meaning soiled/contaminated, which means likely to have microorganisms, some of which may be capable of causing infection.
In Medical Asepsis, objects are referred to as ______1_______ or _______2______.
Surgical Asepsis or Sterile Technique
Refers to those practices that keep an area or object free of ALL microorganisms. It includes practices that destroy all microorganisms and spores.
Spores
Microscopic dormant structures formed by some pathogens that are very hardy and often survive common cleaning techniques.
Sepsis (Septic)
The condition in which acute organ dysfunction occurs secondary to infection.
Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Parasites
4 Categories of microorganisms that can cause infection in humans:
Bacteria
Transportation Methods: Air, Water, Food, Soil, Body Tissues and Fluids, and Inanimate Objects.
The most common Infectious microorganism type. Several hundred species can cause disease in humans and can live and be transported through: (List all ways 6 ways).
Viruses
Examples: Rhinovirus (causes the common cold), Hepatitis, Herpes, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Infectious microorganisms that consist primarily of nucleic acid and therefore must enter living cells in order to reproduce.
Fungi
Infectious microorganisms that include yeasts and molds.
Parasites
Examples: Protozoa such as the one that causes Malaria, Helminths (worms), and Arthropods (mites, fleas, ticks).
Infectious microorganisms that live on other living organisms.
Disease
A detectable alteration in normal tissue function.
Virulence
Microorganisms ability to produce a disease.
Pathogenicity
The ability to produce disease.
Pathogen
- An Opportunistic Pathogen is a microorganism that is normally harmless but can cause disease under certain circumstances (immunodeficiency, illness, age).
- A "True" Pathogen causes disease or infection in a healthy individual.
A microorganism that causes disease.
Inflammation
- Inflammation is described using the suffix -itis
A local and nonspecific defense response of the tissues to an injurious or infectious agent.
1. Pain
2. Swelling
3. Redness (Hyperemia)
4. Heat
5. Impaired Function to the area, if the injury is severe.
Characteristics of infection/injury:
Leukocytes
- Leukocytosis: In response to the exit of Leukocytes from the area, the bone marrow produces large numbers of Leukocytes and relates them into the bloodstream.
- A normal Leukocyte count of 4,500 to 11,000 per cubic millimeter of blood can ris
White Blood Cells are called ___________________________.
Bacteremia
When a culture of a person's blood reveals microorganisms it is called this:
Septicemia
When bacteremia results in a systemic infection, it is referred to as:
iatrogenic Infection
- Example: Bacteremia that results from an intravascular infusion line.
______________ infections are the direct result of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Nasal Passages
The _____________ _______________ have a defense function: As entering air follows the tortuous route of the passage, it comes in contact with moist and mucous membranes and cilia. These trap microorganisms, dust, and foreign materials.
Oral Cavity
Saliva
The ________ __________ regularly sheds mucosal epithelium to rid the mouth if colonizers. The flow of ____________ and its partial buffering action help prevent infections and contains microbial inhibitors such as Lactoferrin, Lysozyme, and secretory IgA
Eye
The ______ is protected from infection by tears, which usually wash microorganisms away and contain inhibiting Lysozyme.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract
The _______________________ __________ also has defenses against infection. The high acidity of the stomach normally prevents microbial growth. The resident flora of the Large Intestine help prevent the establishment of disease-producing microorganisms. P
Vagina
The _______________ also has natural defenses against infection. When a girl reaches puberty, lactobacilli ferment sugars in the vaginal secretions, creating a vaginal pH of 3.5-4.5. This low pH inhibits the growth of many disease-producing microorganisms
Urethra
The entrance to the ____________ normally harbors many microorganisms. These include Staphylococcus Epidermidis Coagulase (from the skin) and E.Coli (from the feces). Urine flow has a flushing and bacteriostatic action that keeps the bacteria from ascendi
Antigen
A substance that induces a state of sensitivity or immune responsiveness (immunity).
Cicatrix
Another name for a scar.