Cause And Spread Of Infection Essay

2029 Words9 Pages
CAUSES AND SPREAD OF INFECTION 1. Understand the causes of infection 1.1 Identify the differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites Bacteria - Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria have a number of shapes, ranging from spheres to rods and spirals. Bacteria were among the first life forms to appear on Earth, and are present in most of its habitats. Bacteria inhabit soil, water, acidic hot springs, radioactive waste, and the deep portions of Earth's crust. Bacteria also live in symbiotic and parasitic relationships with plants and animals. A virus is a small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of other organisms. Viruses can infect all types of life forms (animals, plants, bacteria). The average virus is about one one-hundredth the size of the average bacterium. Most viruses…show more content…
Food kept in fridges in incorrect way may cause an outbreak. (for example raw meat kept on top and not on the bottom of the fridge). Cooking surfaces that are not cleaned well after use can lead to infection (for example if raw meat is cut and utensils and surfaces are not thoroughly cleaned and other foods are placed on the same surface). Poor housekeeping can be another source of infection. If toilets, taps and sinks are not cleaned thoroughly and using good cleaning products, in time they can become a source of infection. Clinical waste kept inappropriately and disposed of inappropriately can also be a source of infection. Disposal of sharps has to be done in accordance with the rules. Client’s personal care should be thorough, and any changes noticed should be reported to the person in charge. Sometimes outbreaks of scabies can occur in social care establishments due to poor hygiene. 2. Understand the transmission of
Open Document