Yvonne HansonSenior Infection Prevention

and Control Nurse

The Wonderful World of Microbiology

The Most Abundant Life form on the Planet – Why?

To be able to begin to understand:

•The organisms that are included within microbiology •Bacteria and viruses:

The different types (focussing on MRSA, Clostridium difficile and Norovirushow they reproduce/multiply The basic elements that they require in order to survive the diseases that they causeColonisation

•Infections – how to recognise that there is an infection•Wound swabbing and its importance•Specimens

•How we can we prevent infections from occurring

Aims and Objectives

Some Organisms within Microbiology:• Viruses: smallest, live/grow only within living cells• - Norovirus, Flu, colds

• Bacteria: reproduce quickly, major cause of disease• - MRSA, Clostridium difficile,

• Protozoans: larger than bacteria, origin soil & water • - Malaria

• Fungi: budding reproduction, yeasts & moulds• - Thrush

• Multicellular parasites: live on or in another organism, E.g. Worms

What is a bacteria?• Single celled organism• Semi rigid which helps it to maintain its

shape• Circular DNA (some have extra plasmids

– contain non essential genes• Have a long tail (some more complicated

than others)• Can produce toxins (poisons as a waste

product)• Needs a microscope to see it – usually

(what is the exception)

Three Different Shapes:• Cocci (spherical)

• Bacilli (rod shaped)

• Spiral (Spirilla)

• vibrios: comma-shaped

Bacterial Multiplication

• Food• Moisture• The right temperature – 370C (us)!• Time

• Oxygen – depends!

Basic Elements Bacteria Need to Survive

Reproduction of Viruses/How do they Multiply – it is very different to bacteria!

Viruses – How they Multiply

Why Do Viral Infections Make Us Feel So Ill?

How Do They Survive?•Change their shape•Change their coating•Merge together•Produce spores – what are these?•Withstand boiling•Withstand freezing•Withstand high salt concentrations•Grow in marshes•Can survive without oxygen•They develop resistance to antibiotics – why and how?•Last not least – the production of a bio film

Bio Film

Where Else Might Bio film Be a Problem within your Care Home or even Your Own Home?

Escherichia coli

Bathroom shower drain

Catheter encrused with biofilm

How Does Swabbing Show Which Antibiotics to Use?

Agar Plate

How Does Swabbing Show Which Antibiotics to Use?

Recognising the Signs of Infection?• Pain• Heat – hot to touch• High temperature• Swelling• Discharge (exudate)• Redness• cellulitis• Break down of further tissue• Pus• Odour

MRSA

Clostridium difficile

How Can We Keep Ourselves, Our Patients, Their Families and Your Families Safe? • Wash your Hands• Awareness• Effective communication• Personal and patient hygiene• Clean as you go• Clean uniforms, washing at the

highest temperature it will stand

Infection Prevention and Control

It’s in Your Hands!It’s in Your Hands!

Thank You – Any Questions?