Microorganisms, Vector-borne Diseases, and Infection Prevention

This article covers various topics related to infection prevention, including types of microorganisms, vector-borne diseases, transmission of pathogens, defense mechanisms against infection, methods of microorganism control, personal hygiene, correct hand washing technique, use of personal protective equipment, and safe waste disposal for body fluids, linen, sharps, and equipment.

“1.1 Describe types of microbiological organisms that cause disease.”
One of the microorganisms or microbes is the elements that are a pathogen that tends to cause
diseases. Infection is the process of an invasion and widespread of pathogenic microorganisms or
microbes in the human body. The infection causes the body to get affected by diseases by
damaging certain essential body systems or functions. However, an infection does not
necessarily always lead to diseases. The entry point of the microorganisms or microbes is known
as “the portal of entry”. There are four points from where the microorganisms or microbes may
enter the human body includes breaks in the skin surface, urogenital tract, gastrointestinal tract
and respiratory tract. The process of spreading microbes or microorganisms initiates by reaching
the targeted function or system of the body, trying to infect the body system or function, rapid
spread by multiplication of the infected germs, pull out the nutrients from the body function or
system and survive or avoid the immunity of the body. There are five types of microbiological
organs that include helminths – worms, protozoa, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Worms and
protozoa lie in a common group as parasites and are subjected to the parasitology discipline.
However, fungi, bacteria and viruses are the subjects that lie in microbiology (Cassini et al.,
2019).
There are some microbiological organism which includes bacteria, fungi, viruses.
Bacteria is a microscopic single cell organism which is harmful but can also used as
useful purpose. They can either make individual sick. They are gel like Matrix composed of
enzyme, water, wastes, nutrients and gases and cells structure contain chromosome, ribosome
and plasmids. Bacterial infectivity can result as a disturbance in balance between host resistance
and bacterial virulence. Bacterial life cycle can consist of exponential phase, death phase and
stationary phase.
Virus refers to a small collection of genetic codes like RNA and DNA which are
surrounded by protein coat.
Influenza also known as flu which is an infectious disease and can caused by influenza
viruses. Influenza are typically spherical but can be sometimes filamentous. Influenza virus size
is 80 to 120 mm. Influenza life cycle can be divided in different stages which includes host cell,
transcription and replication of viral genome export of the vRNPs from the nucleus and budding
at host cell plasma membrane.
Measles refers to an acute viral respiratory illness. It is a single stranded RNA virus and

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having size about 120 to 250 mm. They have four different phases incubation phase, prodimal
phase, rash phase and recovery phase.
Fungi refers to a non species of organism which includes rush, moulds, mushrooms and
yeast. Fungi is a long thread like a structure. Life cycle of sexually reproducing fungus is a
diploid phase.
Plasmodium life cycle include plasmodium infected Anopheles mosquito bites as
prozoids migrate through blood to liver. It's a structure is eukaryotes type.
Parasite has the structure of portion of device which is similar to simplar semiconductor
device. Parasite life cycle two different category direct monoxenous and indirect heteroxenous.
“2.1 Explain the features of vector borne disease.”
The diseases that are caused and spread by bacteria, viruses and parasites in the human
body are known as vector-borne diseases. The vector-borne disease are transmitted and spread by
vectors. The infection of the vector-borne disease may be transmitted with a bite of an infected
“arthropod species”. These infected “arthropod species” include blackflies, sandflies, triatomine
bugs, ticks and mosquitoes. The infected “arthropod species” are cold-blooded species and are
sensitive to the factor of climatic (Swei et al., 2020). Across the globe, the World Health
Organisation estimates that over seven hundred thousand people lost their lives from vector-
borne diseases that may include onchocerciasis, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, Chagas
disease, leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis, schistosomiasis, dengue and malaria
(Swei et al., 2020).
Mosquitoes (malaria) are slender and elongated body which is covered with scales and
the wings. They can also characterized by elongated, long, fragile-looking legs and piercing
mouthparts.
Body lice (typhus)- It can also known as louse-borne typhus which is uncommon disease
and can caused through the bacteria Rickettsia prowazekii. It can spread through getting in
contact with infected body lice.
Ticks (Lyme disease)- It can be transmitted through bite of infected blacklegged ticks.
Symptoms may includes fatigue, headache, fever and skin rash. It can lead to joint, heart when
not treated.
Rabies- It is similar to flu which includes discomfort, headache, fever and weakness. It

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can also include itching, prickling at site of bite.
“3.1 Describe how pathogenic micro-organisms are transmitted.”
The process of transmission of pathogens can spread in several ways based on their type.
They tend to spread by touching a surface, feces contacts, airborne particles, fluids in the body
and skin contacts by the infected body (Bergwerff and Debast, 2021).
Direct/indirect spread- This may includes the touch, kisses, contact with body lesions,
contact with oral secretions, cough, infectious droplets in air and others.
Inhalation- It can includes the in process of taking oxygen which may get inside body
during respiration.
Fomites- There are some of carriers which can transmit the pathogens to individual body.
“3.2 Explain why individuals may be more vulnerable to infection.”
People with adult and old age with poor nutrition values are more tentative to get affected
from the vulnerable infections. The higher the age, the higher the tendency of getting infected
from the vulnerable infections will persist. Besides the age factor, the people affected from the
diseases of lungs, dementia, bladder or kidney issues and diabetes are more tentative to get
affected from the vulnerable infections (Matheï et al., 2007).
Compromised immune status- There are higher risk of getting compromised immune
system which is weak immune system. This can lead to create higher risk of getting infection.
Procedurally induced tissue damage- There are various behaviour like alcohol
consumption, autoimmune disorder and use of chronic drug abuse can lead to create high
exposure to infection.
“3.3 Describe the body’s defence mechanisms against infection.”
The natural barriers to defence against the infection include stomach acid, mucus,
earwax, tears, mucous membranes and skin. The regular urine flow washes the micro-organisms
that may enter the urinary tract, eliminate organisms (Günther and Seyfert, 2018).
Skin- It is largest organ in body which act as barrier within body and invaders
(pathogens).
Cilia- It is a tiny muscular hair like projection on cell which provides the airway and are

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included in defense mechanisms in the respiratory system.
Enzymes- Enzymes are the destroy bacterial cells which can break down their cell walls.
Immune response- They are one of the main defense mechanism of body which provide
internal Defense when any bacteria or fungi inters in body. They fight against them and try to
provide immunity from them.
Role of white blood cells- They are also provide defense which includes ingesting foreign
materials and destroy infectious agents including cancer cells and provide antibodies.
Inflammatory response- This includes the immune response to harmful stimuli like toxic
compounds, damaged cells, pathogens.
Body temperature- It includes the primary autonomic defenses against heat which
includes sweating along with active precapillary vasodilation.
“3.4 Explain how to break the chain of infection.”
There are several ways to break the chain of the infection that may include sensible use of
antibiotics, safe and secure injecting mechanism, use of strelised medical equipment, disinfecting
and cleaning the environment, adopting personal protective mechanism, following the SOPs
including isolation, getting vaccinated and frequently washing the hands (Schrank and Branch-
Elliman, 2017).
Controls- This can be done through getting aware about the ifnection and control to
reduce the spread through taking protective measures which can includes use of protective
measures like PPE kits, masks, gloves and others.
Six links – causative agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry,
susceptible host. These are highly effective and each process help in controlling the spread of
infection and help to break the link of spreading infection.
“4.1 Explain methods of micro-organism control:”
4.1.1 “Sterilisation”
The process of destruction of all of the micro-organisms that are present on any surface in
order to ensure the prevention of the transmission of the diseases that may be associated with it
(Cfdca, 2020).

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4.1.2 “Disinfection”
The process of eliminating the pathogenic micro-organisms or inaminate the objects
(Cfdca, 2020).
4.1.3 “Pasteurisation”
Pasteurisation is the process of heat up the milk for a shorter time at a high temperature
and then cooling down (Noah and Lawal, 2018).
4.1.4 “Sanitation”
Sanitation is the process related to public health, it can be described as the medical
conditions depending on the intake of clean drinking water and the process of disposal and
treatment of the sewage and human excreta (McKenna et al., 2017).
4.1.5 “Asepsis”
Asepsis is the state of making the product free from viruses, bacteria and other micro-
organisms (Holliday, 2017).
5.1“Explain the importance of personal hygiene and attire in relation to infection control.”
Microbes tend to rapidly spread due to physical contact between relatives, patients and
professionals. In order to maintain a good level of hygiene, it is essential to reduce cross
contamination risks and contagious infections transmission (Ullah et al., 2020).
Hair- It is necessary to groom hair which includes on different body parts and allow to
provide protection from infection.
Nails- Grooming nails on time can help to protect individual through different spread of
infection which can intake during eating food.
Jewelry- This can also create the risk of infection when it is used. Either directly through
touch or during using it as an ornaments.
Badges- Getting pinned in skin can lead to crate the risk of infection.
Uniform- This can includes the hygiene to maintain and ensure about protection through
getting infected.

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Sleeves- This can get dirty and are not get in notice and can have risk of infection.
5.2 “Explain the correct hand washing technique.”
There are five steps of washing hands in the correct way including wetting the hands with
clean water and applying the soap, rubbing the hands together with soap, rubbing the back of the
hands between the fingers and under the nails, srub the hands for twenty seconds, rinse the hands
and dry the hands (Guo et al., 2018).
Hand washing technique- World Health organization implies about different steps of hand
washing which includes duration of 40-60 seconds. These steps are-
 Wet hands with water.
 Use enough soap to cover hand.
 Rub hands with soap palm to palm.
 Rights palm over left dorsum through interacting fingers.
 Finger interlaced with palm to palm.
 Backs of fingers with fingers interlocked with opposite palms.
 Left thumb rotational rubbing and vise versa.
 Rinse hands with water.
 Dry hands with singe use towel.
5.3 “Explain the use of personal protective equipment.”
Personal protective equipment is useful at the workplace in order to combat and
overcome difficult situations of hazardous conditions (World Health Organization, 2020).
Legislation, policy and procedures- This includes the guidelines to use the PPE which can
be effective to provide maximum safety against any harm or hazards.
PPE types- This includes head protection, hearing protection, eye and face protection,
hand protection and respiratory protection.
Selection- PPE selection can be done on the identified hazard.
Maintenance- This includes inspection before and after use. Taking care of PPE all time.
Cleaning all PPE after use. Replace or repair damaged PPE. Store PPE in dry air which should
be free from pathogens, sunlight and contamination.
Removal- After use, it should be removed and either disposed or cleaned carefully.

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Disposal- It should be disposed in the plastic tight bag and should be disposed carefully.
5.4 “Explain the process of safe waste disposal for:”
5.4.1 “Body fluids”
Menstrual, sputum, urine, faeces on the tampons and sanitary towel and vomit may be
flushed or drained down the toilet where it is practicable (Fineschi et al., 2020).
5.4.2 “Linen”
The infection of the linen may be washed separately using other items (Chua et al., 2021).
5.4.3 “Sharps and equipment”
The sharps and equipment may be disposed of in such a way that they may not be used
again and may not harm the people in the surroundings (Anozie et al., 2017).
6.1 “Use the correct hand washing technique.”
The use of the correct hand washing technique will be helpful for the people to disinfect
themselves from infections and they have the maximum safety against the infections (Hillier,
2020).
6.2 “Use personal protective equipment.”
Personal protective equipment is useful for the workforce to remain safe from infections
at their respective workplaces (Tian et al., 2020).
6.3 “Dispose of waste safely”
With the disposal of the waste safely the chances of getting infected from the infections
may be reduced to a minimum factor (Yorkina et al., 2021).

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7.1 “Evaluate the use of drugs to control and treat infectious disease.”
Different drugs are available in different pharmaceutical outlets and companies that may
help disinfect the infections and also prevents people from getting infected from the infections.
Therefore the use of drugs may be helpful to protect oneself from infections however these drugs
may not be used without the permission of the medical and healthcare practitioner’s guidelines
and suggestions (Assefa and Abunna, 2018).
Anti-viral- This can ease symptoms with viral infections like ebola and flu.
Antibiotics- It used to prevent and treat some type of bacterial infection.
Anti-fungal- It help to provide protection against any fungal infection and treat it.
Anti parastic- This can help to manage infection which are caused due to different helminths,
protozoa and ectoparasites.
7.2 “Explain how antimicrobial resistance occurs.”
The antimicrobial resistance occurs with the variation of the micro-organisms elements
including parasites, fungi, viruses and bacteria (Abushaheen et al., 2020).
8.1 “Explain the requirement of RIDDOR in relation to infection prevention and control.”
“Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations” – RIDDOR
suggests that the person present in a situation of accident or emergency needs to report the
incident, accident or emergency immediately (Sunley et al., 2018).
Responsibilities- To report the death which are caused due to injuries in workplace.
These includes the work-related accidents.
Reporting requirements- This can help to take report and help in assembling about the
safety procedure to avoid such accident in future.
Record keeping- This can help to take control over the accidents and can help in data
managing.
Risk assessment- This can help to identify the risk or hazard which are present within
workplace to minimize that risk.
Training- This can help to get enable to avoid any risk through taking appropriate action.
8.2 “Explain the requirement of COSHH in relation to infection prevention and control.”
“Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations” – COSHH is the law that states
that the employees or workforce in the workplace needs to control the hazardous or dangerous

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substances that are risks or challenging for the health (Sunley et al., 2018).
Risk assessment- This can be helpful in identifying the hazard within workplace.
Training- This can help to take appropriate action during any hazard.
Monitoring- This can help to avoid any risk or hazard at their initial level.
Health surveillance- This can help to provide better care of individual health.
Emergency plans- This can help in providing safety during unexpected hazard.
Substances hazardous to health- This can include negative health impact to individual.
9.1 “Analyse the role and responsibilities of the health and social care practitioner in relation to
infection prevention and control.”
It is the duty and responsibility of the medical and healthcare practitioners and social care
practitioners in order to ensure the prevention and control of infections. The major role and
responsibilities include the organized surveillance mechanism, leadership and pieces of advice,
training and development and implementation of policies and developments in order to ensure
the prevention of infections (Houghton et al., 2020).
Applying polices and procedures- This can includes the use of following policies and
procedures which allows to get better control over infections.
Reporting problems- This includes difficulties in report the hazards which can lead to
create high impact on dealing with better and effective response.
Maintaining own knowledge and skills- This can help to improve knowledge which are
effective in taking care about knowledge and skills.

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