microbiology flashcards

What is microbiology?

The study of very small organisms and infectious agents.

Why is microbiology important in nursing?

It helps nurses understand infection development, transmission, prevention, and the importance of hand hygiene and PPE.

Define a microbe.

A very small organism, such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

What is a pathogen?

A disease-causing microbe.

What does the term 'microbiome' refer to?

All the naturally occurring microbes living on and inside our body.

Give an example of a disease caused by bacteria.

Strep throat or MRSA.

What are the five major groups of microorganisms?

Bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, and prions.

What is a plasmid?

Small pieces of extra DNA in bacteria that can contain genes for antibiotic resistance.

What is the chain of infection?

The sequence of events that allows an infection to develop and spread.

What does 'aseptic technique' mean?

Practices aimed at preventing contamination by pathogens.

What is the definition of colonization in microbiology?

An infectious agent is present on or in the body without causing disease.

What is the difference between a reservoir and a source in infection control?

A reservoir is where a pathogen can survive, while a source is where a person actually acquires the infection.

What is an opportunistic pathogen?

An organism that is normally harmless but can cause disease when the host's health is compromised.

List the portals of exit for pathogens.

Skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive tract, blood.

What conditions help microbes grow?

Food/nutrients, water, appropriate temperature, appropriate pH, oxygen, and darkness.

Define antimicrobial resistance.

When microbes become resistant to antimicrobial drugs, making them ineffective.

What is an HAI?

Healthcare-associated infection.

How can we reduce antimicrobial resistance?

By completing prescribed antibiotic courses, using narrow-spectrum antibiotics, and avoiding unnecessary antimicrobial use.

What characterizes Gram-negative bacteria?

They stain pink/red and have a thinner peptidoglycan layer with an additional membrane layer.

What is the purpose of hand hygiene in nursing?

To reduce the risk of infection transmission.

Define a viral infection.

Infection caused by a virus, which is an infectious particle made of nucleic acid and protein.

What is latent viral infection?

A virus that remains dormant in a host cell and can reactivate without reinfection.

Give an example of a retrovirus.

HIV.

Identify an oncogenic virus.

A virus that can contribute to cancer, such as HPV or Hepatitis B.

What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic?

Aerobic organisms require oxygen; anaerobic organisms can grow without oxygen.

What is an example of zoonosis?

Leptospirosis, a disease transmitted from cows to humans.

What is a mycosis?

A fungal infection.

How can fungi reproduce?

Asexually or sexually, producing spores.

What is a prion?

A self-replicating misfolded infectious protein.

What are symptoms of giardiasis?

Diarrhea and abdominal pain.

What is a superficial mycosis?

A fungal infection that grows on the outer layers of the skin without causing inflammation.

What should healthcare workers do to prevent MRO transmission?

Practice hand hygiene, use PPE, isolate patients when necessary, and clean/disinfect properly.

What is the importance of characterizing bacteria by shape?

It helps identify and classify different types of bacteria.

What is meant by 'nosocomial infection'?

An infection acquired while receiving healthcare.

Why is it important for a public health nurse to control communicable diseases?

To prevent and manage outbreaks within the community.