infection control

Bacteria

• Definition: Bacteria (bak-TEER-ee-ah) are single-celled microorganisms that exhibit both plant and animal characteristics.

• Microorganism: An organism of microscopic or submicroscopic size.

• Presence: Bacteria can be found almost anywhere, including:

  • Skin

  • Water

  • Air

  • Decayed matter

  • Environmental surfaces

  • Body secretions

  • Clothing

  • Under the free edge of nails.

• Visibility: Only visible under a microscope due to their small size.

Types of Bacteria

• Pathogenic Bacteria:

  • Definition: Harmful microorganisms that can cause disease or infection when they invade the body.

  • Importance in Infection Control: Essential for salons, spas, and barbershops to maintain strict cleaning and disinfecting standards to prevent spread.

• Nonpathogenic Bacteria:

  • Definition: Harmless organisms that may perform useful functions.

  • Examples of Use: Nonpathogenic bacteria are utilized in the production of yogurt, cheese, and some medicines.

  • Functions in the Human Body:

  • Aid in food breakdown

  • Protection against infections

  • Stimulation of the immune system.

Bacterial Infections

• Necessity of Pathogenic Bacteria: Bacterial infections only occur with pathogenic bacteria; their elimination prevents client infections.

• Inflammation:

  • Definition: Tissue reaction to injury, irritation, or infection, characterized by redness, heat, pain, and/or swelling.

• Pus:

  • Definition: Fluid containing white blood cells, bacteria, and dead cells, indicating a bacterial infection.

• Types of Infections:

  • Local Infection: Confined to a specific body part, such as a pimple or abscess, often visible as a lesion with pus.

  • Systemic Infection: Infection that spreads throughout the body.

Common Pathogenic Bacteria

• Staphylococci (staf-uh-loh-KOKS-eye):

  • Commonly found in the environment and on the human body, often harmless in most strains.

  • Potential Transmission: Spread via skin-to-skin contact, unclean tools, or surfaces.

  • Diseases Caused:

  • Food poisoning

  • Toxic shock syndrome

  • Flesh-eating diseases.

• MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus):

  • A particularly dangerous strain of staph that is resistant to conventional antibiotics.

  • Historical Demographics: Initially prevalent in individuals with weakened immune systems or those undergoing medical procedures; it is now increasing among healthy individuals.

  • Symptoms: Appears as skin infections such as pimples, rashes, or boils.

  • Impact: Without treatment, infections can become systemic, potentially leading to severe health consequences or death.

Mycobacterium

• Definition: A family of bacteria found in soil and water, linked to severe infections associated with pedicure bowls.

• Prevention:

  • Importance of properly disinfecting all implements and bowls due to potential presence in water supply.

  • Recommendations for clients include avoiding shaving or waxing legs 24 hours prior to pedicures.

Viruses

• Definition: Submicroscopic particles that infect and reside within host cells.

• Replication: Viruses can only replicate by invading and commandeering a host's cellular reproduction functions.

• Notable Viruses:

  • Measles

  • Mumps

  • Chickenpox

  • Smallpox

  • Rabies

  • Yellow fever

  • Hepatitis

  • Polio

  • Influenza

  • HIV (causes AIDS).

• Differences from Bacteria:

  • Viruses need host cells to live and reproduce, while bacteria can exist independently.

  • Antibiotics can usually treat bacterial infections but are ineffective against viruses.

Prevention of Viral Infections

• Vaccination: Primary method to prevent the spread of viral infections.

• Precautions: Handwashing and disinfection are critical defenses against viruses.

• Incubation Period: Many viruses can remain dormant for an extended period, with most showing illness symptoms within 10 to 14 days.

• Contagion: Peak infectiousness often occurs before symptoms appear.

HPV and HSV

• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV):

  • Highly contagious; spread via direct or indirect contact including skin-to-skin.

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV):

  • Also highly contagious; often thought of as sexually transmitted but can be spread through objects like wax pots.

• Symptoms: Many infected individuals may be asymptomatic.

Bloodborne Pathogens

• Definition: Microorganisms in blood or body fluids, including:

  • Hepatitis

  • HIV.

• Transmission Risk: Possible whenever the skin is broken in salons, spas, and barbershops.

• Hepatitis: Viruses that can damage the liver, more easily contracted than HIV but harder to transmit than some other infections.

• HIV/AIDS:

  • Definition: The virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, weakening the body’s immune response.

Fungi

• Definition: Organisms that can be single-celled and grow in irregular masses, causing diseases such as ringworm.

• Common Infections:

  • Tinea Barbae (barber's itch): Deep patches on skin in the beard area.

  • Tinea Capitis: Fungal infection of the scalp.

  • Ringworm: Identifiable by circular lesions.

Parasites

• Definition: Organisms that feed off another living organism (host), contributing nothing to its survival.

• Types:

  • Internal Parasites: Transmitted through improperly cooked food.

  • External Parasites: Such as ticks, lice, fleas, and mites.

• Conditions:

  • Head Lice: Causing pediculosis capitis.

  • Scabies: Caused by itch mites.

Biofilms

• Definition: Complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces, including on the human body, protected by a sticky coating.

• Importance in Disease: Biofilms resist threats, including antiseptics, and contribute to chronic inflammation, complicating healing processes.

• Examples: Dental plaque, algae colonies in ponds.

Infection Control Principles

• Steps Required:

  • Cleaning: Removal of visible dirt; essential before disinfection.

  • Disinfection: Targeted elimination of most pathogens on nonporous surfaces, not spores. Must use EPA-registered disinfectants.

  • Sterilization: Destroys all microbial life, including spores; typically requires an autoclave.

Cleaning Protocols

• Cleaning Steps:

  • Wash tools with liquid soap/detergent, warm water, and scrub with a disinfected brush.

• Disinfection Steps:

  • Immersion in disinfectant according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring proper contact time.

Common Disinfectants

• Types:

  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): Effective disinfectants for nonporous surfaces.

  • Tuberculocidal Disinfectants: Kill bacteria causing tuberculosis.

  • Phenolic Disinfectants: Powerful but can damage skin and materials; used with caution.

  • Bleach: Effective but corrosive; must be used correctly and stored safely.

Safety Practices

• Always read and follow product labels carefully.

• Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling disinfectants.

• Ensure thorough cleaning before disinfection to avoid interference.

• Properly store and handle all chemicals and keep a logbook of cleaning and maintenance practices.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Gloves: Protect against bloodborne pathogens, should be single-use.

• Safe removal: Invert and dispose properly.

• Replace gloves as necessary during services, especially when switching tasks.

Emergency Procedures

• Exposure Incident: Contact with blood or body fluid requires immediate action:

  • Stop service, provide first aid, and clean up.

  • Follow proper procedures to handle contaminated items and re-sanitize workspace.

Client Safety Considerations

• Always assess clients for signs of infection or injury.

• Be aware of high-risk clients (e.g., those immunocompromised or pregnant).

• Maintain proper infection control to protect all clients, regardless of visible symptoms.

Professional Responsibilities

• Compliance with local laws and safety regulations is essential for both client and worker safety.

• Continuous training and education on infection control measures are encouraged to best serve clients and maintain health standards.