Types of Micro-Organisms and Infection Control

Types of Microorganisms

Microorganisms are tiny living organisms that can only be seen with the aid of a microscope. They are categorized into several groups:

1. Bacteria
   • Description: Single-celled organisms without a nucleus (prokaryotes).
   • Examples: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus.
   • Diseases: Tuberculosis, strep throat, urinary tract infections.
2. Viruses
   • Description: Tiny infectious agents that require a host cell to replicate.
   • Examples: Influenza virus, HIV, SARS-CoV-2.
   • Diseases: Influenza, AIDS, COVID-19.
3. Fungi
   • Description: Eukaryotic organisms that can be single-celled (yeasts) or multicellular (molds and mushrooms).
   • Examples: Candida albicans, Aspergillus species.
   • Diseases: Thrush, athlete’s foot, aspergillosis.
4. Protozoa
   • Description: Single-celled eukaryotes that can be free-living or parasitic.
   • Examples: Plasmodium species, Giardia lamblia.
   • Diseases: Malaria, giardiasis.
5. Helminths
   • Description: Parasitic worms that can live inside the human body.
   • Examples: Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia solium.
   • Diseases: Ascariasis, tapeworm infections.
6. Prions
   • Description: Infectious proteins that cause abnormal folding of normal cellular proteins.
   • Examples: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
   • Diseases: CJD, mad cow disease.

Infection Control Measures

Effective infection control measures are essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These measures include:

1. Hand Hygiene
   • Methods: Regular handwashing with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
   • Importance: Reduces the transmission of pathogens.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   • Types: Gloves, masks, gowns, face shields.
   • Usage: Protects healthcare workers and patients from exposure to infectious agents.
3. Sterilization and Disinfection
   • Sterilization: Complete elimination of all microorganisms using methods like autoclaving.
   • Disinfection: Reduction of harmful microorganisms to safe levels using chemical disinfectants.
4. Isolation Precautions
   • Types: Standard precautions, contact precautions, droplet precautions, airborne precautions.
   • Application: Based on the mode of transmission of the infectious agent.
5. Vaccination
   • Purpose: Stimulates the immune system to protect against specific infections.
   • Examples: Vaccines for influenza, measles, hepatitis B.
6. Environmental Cleaning
   • Practices: Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and medical equipment.
   • Objective: Reduces the risk of environmental transmission of pathogens.
7. Antimicrobial Stewardship
   • Goal: Optimize the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents to combat resistance.
   • Strategies: Appropriate selection, dosing, and duration of antimicrobial therapy.
8. Education and Training
   • Target Audience: Healthcare workers, patients, and the public.
   • Content: Information on infection control practices and the importance of adherence.