microbiology 2222

What is microbiology?

The study of microscopic organisms (microbes).

Why is microbiology important in medical device reprocessing?

Understanding pathogens on medical devices is essential for safe reprocessing.

What are the main branches of microbiology?

Microbial physiology, genetics, medical, veterinary, environmental, evolutionary, industrial, aeromicrobiology, food, and pharmaceutical microbiology.

What is applied microbiology?

The application of understanding microbes for commercial and medicinal benefits.

What are examples of applied microbiology?

Cheese fermentation, wine production, nasal flu vaccine.

What bacteria causes the Bubonic Plague?

Yersinia pestis.

What virus causes smallpox?

Variola virus.

What virus causes HIV/AIDS?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Name some societal effects of infectious diseases.

Population decline, economic disruption, advances in medicine, cultural influence, global health initiatives, pathogen evolution.

How is microbiology applied in medicine?

Disease diagnosis, vaccine development, antibiotic production.

How is microbiology applied in environmental science?

Bioremediation, waste management, agriculture.

How is microbiology applied in industry?

Food production, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals.

What is antibiotic resistance?

When bacteria withstand the effects of antibiotics.

What causes antibiotic resistance?

Overuse in humans and animals, misuse for viral infections.

Give examples of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

MRSA, VRE, CRE.

Name solutions to combat antibiotic resistance.

Developing new antibiotics, vaccines, and using genetic engineering.

What is the function of vaccines?

Stimulate antibody production to fight pathogens.

Give an analogy for how vaccines work.

Pathogens are like enemies; vaccines build an army of immune cells.

What are the goals of the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD)?

Infection control, patient safety, cost efficiency, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

What do the terms SPD, CSSD, CSD, PIDAC, and CSA refer to?

Common terminology used in MDRD.

What are the main roles of an MDR technician?

Decontamination, inspection and assembly, sterilization, packaging and storage, distribution, compliance and safety, quality assurance.

What PPE is required in MDRD?

Gown, gloves, hair covering, mask, shoe covers.

What hygiene rules apply in MDRD?

Hand hygiene, no artificial nails or lashes, no jewelry, no food or drink in work areas, clean uniform on a clean body.

What are the six main groups of microorganisms?

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa, rickettsia/chlamydia.

What are the main characteristics of cell life?

Movement, responsiveness, growth, circulation, reproduction, respiration, assimilation, digestion, excretion, absorption.

What do cells need to survive?

Water, food, oxygen, heat, and pressure.

What is the difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria?

Gram-positive have thick cell walls, Gram-negative have thin cell walls.

What are pili used for?

Adhesion to surfaces.

What are flagella used for?

Movement.

What are aerobic bacteria?

Bacteria that require oxygen to survive.

What are anaerobic bacteria?

Bacteria that cannot tolerate oxygen.

What are facultative anaerobes?

Bacteria that can survive with or without oxygen.

What are endospores?

Resistant bacterial forms produced by Bacillus and Clostridium that survive heat, chemicals, and drying.

Why are endospores important in sterilization?

They are used to test sterilization effectiveness.

What are the basic bacterial shapes?

Cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), vibrio (comma-shaped), spirilla (spiral).

What are bacterial arrangements?

Diplococci (pairs), streptococci (chains), staphylococci (clusters).

Why is bacterial arrangement important?

Helps identify contamination sources.

What is the Gram stain used for?

Differentiating between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

How quickly can bacteria reproduce?

Every 10–20 minutes under optimal conditions.

What is the difference between autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria?

Autotrophic produce their own food, heterotrophic feed on organic matter.

What factors affect bacterial growth?

Temperature, pH, oxygen, moisture, nutrients.

Why is water quality important in reprocessing?

It impacts cleaning effectiveness, equipment lifespan, and patient safety.

What is the ideal pH for tap water in MDRD?

6–9.

What is the ideal pH for final rinse water in MDRD?

5–7.

What is osmosis?

Movement of water from low to high ion concentration.

What is reverse osmosis?

Water purification by removing ions and contaminants.

Why is reverse osmosis important in MDRD?

Ensures final rinse water is free from minerals and contaminants.

What are prokaryotic cells?

Cells without a nucleus that reproduce by binary fission.

What are eukaryotic cells?

Cells with a nucleus and organelles that reproduce by mitosis.

Why is the difference between cell types important?

Different cells respond differently to sterilization.

What are enveloped viruses?

Viruses with a lipid envelope (e.g., HIV, influenza) that are easier to kill.

What are non-enveloped viruses?

Viruses without a lipid envelope (e.g., norovirus) that are more resistant to disinfectants.

Why are antibiotics ineffective against viruses?

Viruses require host cells to replicate; antibiotics target bacterial processes.

What is the best prevention for viral diseases?

Vaccination.

What are fungi?

Microorganisms that include yeasts (unicellular) and molds (multicellular).

Why is Candida auris a concern?

It is resistant to antifungal treatments.

What are prions?

Misfolded proteins that cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., CJD).

What are biofilms?

Communities of microbes encased in a protective matrix.

Why is prompt cleaning important for biofilm prevention?

Biofilms protect microbes from cleaning agents and disinfectants.

What are the main physical methods of microbial control?

Heat (autoclaving), cold (freezing), filtration, radiation.

What are the main chemical methods of microbial control?

Antiseptics (safe for skin) and disinfectants (for surfaces).

What is a 6-log reduction?

99.9999% reduction in microorganisms.

What are healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?

Infections acquired during healthcare delivery.

What are the main modes of transmission for pathogens?

Contact, droplet, airborne, vehicle, vector.

What are routine practices?

Minimum infection prevention measures used with all patients and devices.

What is the most effective method to prevent HAIs?

Hand hygiene.

What PPE should be task-appropriate and fluid-resistant?

Gowns, gloves, masks, eye/face protection, hair/beard covers.

What is the chain of transmission?

Six links: Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host.

How can infections be prevented?

By breaking any link in the chain of transmission.