Unit 265 Causes and Spread of Infection

603 Words3 Pages
1.1 identify the differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites Bacteria are living things which are neither plants or animals, but belong to a group by themselves. They are small, not more than one cell, but there are normally millions of them together. Virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. All viruses have genes made either from DNA or RNA, long molecules that carry genetic information. 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. Caused by bacteria: - Tuberculosis - Whooping cough - Food poisoning - Ear infections Caused by viruses: - HIV - Hepatitis B - Stomach Flu - Warts Caused by fungus: - Thrush - Ringworm - Yeast infection - Valley fever Caused by parasites: - Malaria - Schistosomiasis - Sleeping sickness 1.3 Describe what is meant by infection and colonisation. Infection is the invasion and multiplication of micro organisms that are not normally present within the body. Infection tends to show through symptoms. Colonisation is when germs are within the body but don't make the person sick. People will have no signs or symptoms and feel fine. 1.4 Explain what is meant by systemic infection and localised infection. Systemic infection is where the infection is distributed throughout the body. Localised infection is when infection is with specific parts of the body. 1.5 Identify poor practices that may lead to the spread of
Open Document