Concise Notes on Micro-organisms and Infection Control for Health Care Aides

  • Micro-organisms Overview

    • Micro-organisms (microbes) are small living organisms visible only under a microscope.
    • Can be harmful (pathogens) or non-harmful (non-pathogens).
    • Types of Microbes:
    • Bacteria: One-celled organisms.
    • Viruses: Require living cells to multiply.
    • Fungi: Live on organic matter.
    • Parasites: Require a host for nourishment.

  • Microbial Requirements

    • Reservoir (host), water, nourishment, oxygen, and a warm, dark environment are essential for growth.
    • Normal flora can become pathogens if transferred to abnormal sites.

  • Multidrug-resistant Organisms (MROs)

    • Caused by over-prescribing antibiotics or failure to complete treatment.
    • Common examples include MRSA and VRE.

  • Modes of Transmission

    1. Contact Transmission: Direct (e.g., touching) or indirect (e.g., contaminated surfaces).
    2. Droplet Transmission: Microbes spread through small droplets <1 m (e.g., coughs, sneezes).
    3. Airborne Transmission: Long distances via air currents >1 m (e.g., TB).
    4. Vehicle Transmission: Contaminated sources like food or water.
    5. Vectorborne Transmission: Insects or animals transmit pathogens (e.g., Lyme disease).

  • Infection Control Practices

    • Infection is a serious health hazard. Prevention includes hand hygiene and following infection control policies.
    • Recognize signs of infection: fever, chills, tenderness, fatigue, etc.

  • Health Care-Associated Infections (HAIs)

    • Develop in health care settings and can be caused by normal flora or transferred microbes.
    • Common types: UTIs, respiratory infections, skin infections.

  • Factors Increasing Infection Risk

    • Age (very young or old), stress, poor nutrition, sleep deprivation, open wounds can all increase risk.

  • Breaking the Chain of Infection

    • Personal hygiene, using PPE appropriately, and maintaining a clean environment are critical.

  • Vaccinations

    • Essential for preventing communicable diseases; Hep B and flu vaccinations are recommended for health care workers.

  • Hand Hygiene

    • Most effective infection control measure.
    • Four key moments for hand hygiene: before contact, before procedures, after exposure risks, and after contact with clients.
    • Use proper hand washing techniques and alcohol-based sanitizers.

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

    • Essential for protecting against bloodborne pathogens and during patient care.
    • Types: gloves, gowns, masks, and goggles.

  • Types of Wastes

    • General Waste: Food, paper products disposed of in regular bins.
    • Biohazardous Waste: Blood, used needles in color-coded containers.
    • Hazardous Waste: Broken glass, batteries, requires special disposal.

  • Surgical Asepsis

    • Practices to keep equipment free from all microbes. Needed when entering sterile areas.
    • Maintain a sterile field during procedures.