Causes and Spread of Infection

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1.1 Identify the differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites Bacteria are microscopic living organisms, usually one-celled, that can be found anywhere. Viruses are an infective agent that typically consists of a nucleic acid molecule in a protein coat and is able to multiply within living cells. Fungus is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms which includes both unicellular microorganisms and multicellular fungi. Parasites are an organism that lives in or on another organism and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other's expense. 1.2 Identify common illnesses and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites Bacteria commonly causes strep throat, urinary tract infections, tuberculosis, etc. Viruses commonly cause anything from the common cold to AIDS, including; chicken pox, flu, herpes, mumps, measles, rubella, shingles, etc. Fungus commonly cause athlete's foot, yeast infections, etc. Parasites such as tape worms and ringworms can cause; trichomoniasis, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis. 1.3 Describe what is meant by “infection” and “colonisation” Infection is the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms that are not normally present in the body, they come in the forms of bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc. Colonisation is the development of a bacterial infection, formation of compact population groups of the same type of microorganisms, eg. when a bacterial cell begins to reproduce. 1.4 Explain what is meant by “systemic infection” and “localised infection Systemic infection is when the infection affects the whole body, when the infection is in the bloodstream, eg. high blood pressure. Localised infection is when the infection originated in and is confined to one organ or general area in the body, eg. boil on the hand, abscess of finger, etc. 1.5 Identify

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