Causes and spread of infections 1 Understanding the cause of infection Bacteria can be both beneficial and pathogenic. These single cell micro-organisms are tiny living beings, neither plant or animal, that normally exist together in millions and reproduce only asexually. Some of their common illnesses and infections include ear infections, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, diphtheria, bacterial meningitis, gastritis and sinusitis. Viruses differ from bacteria, being coated genetic material and in that they do not reproduce on food, needing a living host to do so. They replicate by invading targeted cells of their host and taking over genetic material responsible for reproduction.
A virus is a small piece of genetic material that has a protein coating to protect itself. A virus exists for the single purpose of reproducing. They invade and ‘hijack’ normal living cells and then multiply and produce viruses like themselves. The cells eventually die from this and this is what can make people ill. Many people get viruses from either swallowing or inhaling them, being bitten or sexual contact.
Some bacteria can fight off harmful bacteria helping to prevent illness. Viruses are a small infectious agent that replicates only the inside of living cells of other organisms. Viruses can infect all types of life forms, from animals to plants to micro organisms. Most viruses are too small to be seen with an optical microscope. Viruses can spread in many ways.
Changes in climate or introduction of a new species from elsewhere can greatly affect the balance of nature; some bacteria help to digest food, destroy disease causing cells, and give the body needed vitamins, bacteria are also used in making healthy foods like yogurt and cheese. Viruses are the connecting link of living and non-living things….. A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Most viruses are too small to be seen directly with a light microscope. Viruses infect all types of organisms form animals and plants to bacteria and archaea. All viruses have genes made from either DNA or RNA, long molecules that carry genetic information, all have protein coats that protect these genes and some have an envelope of fat that surrounds them when they are outside a cell.
Understanding the causes and spread of infection The differences are that bacteria are an organism which produces toxins which grow and then divide. Virus - are smaller than a cell. It can't reproduce outside the cell unlike bacteria, so they invade the cells and inject the genes into the nucleus and creates copies of itself Fungi - causes disease by absorbing nutrients, and producing toxins Bacteria, fungi and viruses are all separate entities and are completely different from each other. Parasites, however, can refer to a number of different things including bacteria, fungi and viruses. A parasite is any organism which lives inside a different organism in a symbiotic relationship in which only the parasite benefits from the symbiosis.
Fungi are Eukaryotes when compared to bacteria and fungi. One major difference is that fungal cells have cell walls that contain chitin unlike the cell wall of plants which contain cellulose. The chitin adds rigidity and structured support to the thin cells of the fungus. A parasite is an organism that lives on or inside another organism to the detriment of the host organism. 1.2 Identify common illnesses and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
9/13/12 Helminthic Worm Infections Helminthic worm infections are also known as Nematode infection or parasitic worm infection. Parasites are creatures that invade a host, attach themselves externally and internally to tissues and organs, and rob the host of nutrients. They are classified into two groups; nematodes, known as the roundworm and platyhelminth, known as tapeworms and flukes. Some parasites, such as certain worms, eventually weaken and cause diseases in their hosts. Parasitic worms are common in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and are rarer in countries where sanitation is practiced.
The common way of treating a virus is through immunization as anti-biotics will not be effective against viral infections. The virus infection can cause things like the Influenza, common cold, stomach flu, pneumonia, blood born infections, ear infections and HIV/AIDS. Fungi- live in the air, water, soil and on plants and they can live in the
Unit 265 Causes and spread of infection. Outcome 1: Understand the causes of Infection. 1.1 The differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are: Bacteria – A single cell micro-organism. Some bacteria are good and beneficial for the body and some are bad and can make you ill. Viruses – Non-living pathogens.
Virus:-These are smaller than bacteria and need to be in a living host to cell reproduce, the principal way of control is immunisation, antibiotics are not affective against viral infections. The virus infection can cause things like the common cold, respiratory infections, blood born viruses. Fungus:- This is a low form of vegetable life that can cause disease such as thrush or athletes foot. Parasites:- This can also be called infestation which is the presence of a large number of parasites on a host, the parasites rely on the host for survival,, parasites are things like scabies, head lice and worms, they can be combated by washing bedding on a high temperature and a good cleaning routine. Infection:- This is an invasion by and multiplication of pathogenic, micro-organisms in a bodily part or tissue which could cause harm.