1.1 Identify the differences between Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi and parasites.

The common characteristics of bacteria:
Bacteria are microscopic single-cell organisms.
Different types of bacteria can be identified by their size and shape.
Bacteria can multiply outside the body.
Most bacteria need moisture, time, warmth and nutrients to survive and multiply.
Some bacteria are helpful.
Some bacteria produce toxins which cause unpleasant symptoms.
Most bacteria can be treated with antibiotics.
Some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.

The common characteristics of viruses:
Viruses can only be seen with an electron microscope because they are so small.
Only one or two particles are required to cause an infection.
Viruses cannot survive for very long outside the body.
Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics but in some cases are treated with antiviral medication.
The best defence against viruses is immunisation.
Viruses can mutate to create new strains.
Viruses can only multiply once they invade their host cell.

The common characteristics of fungi:
Fungi appears in the form of yeasts and moulds.
Fungi infections can be localised or systemic.
Some fungi are helpful.
Fungi infections are treated with antifungal medication.

The common characteristics of parasites:
Parasites can live in or on the host body.
Parasites survive by feeding from a host.
Parasites are controlled and destroyed by antiparasitic medication.

1.2 Identify common illnesses and infections caused by Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi and Parasites.

Gastroenteritis
MRSA
Impetigo
Are caused by bacteria.

Herpes
HIV
Mumps
Are caused by viruses.

CU254
Athletes foot.
Thrush.
Ringworm.
Are caused by fungi

Head lice.
Scabies.
Threadworm
Are caused by parasites.

1.3 Describe what is meant by Infection and colonisation

An infection is a invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms within any system or organ of the host. The host can be either animal or human. If an infection can be pasted on its then known as infectious. Infection can cause disease, be treated and make the host feel unwell. These symptoms can vary from mild to severe and in some cases be fatal.
Colonisation is the tem used when potentially harmful microorganisms grow and multiply on a person without causing them any harm.
The person who is colonised is known as a carrier. This is because although the microorganism they carry may not be harmful to them they could potentially transfer them to another person which could develop into an infection.

1.4 Explain what is meant by systemic infection and localised infection.

Localised Infection-
Is an infection that is limited to a specific area or a single organ. Therefore a localised infection will remain in, and only affect one part of the body with symptoms that are usually inflammation: tenderness, redness pain and swelling. They can be serious if they are internal. A common example of a localised infection is an infected wound. The infection is localised to the wound and does not generally make a person feel unwell, but without the appropriate treatment eventually leading to a systemic infection. Systemic Infection-
Is one which affects the entire body and multiple organs. A systemic infection will cause pain the area of infection bur also cause the whole body to feel unwell ie fever, aches and pains and feel lethargic. Some systemic infections if left untreated could be life threatening.

CU254

1.5 Identify poor practice that may lead to the spread of infection.
Poor practice
Not Washing hands frequently especially after dealing with any bodily fluids. Staff not staying at home if they are sick. Use a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand. Turn away from other people. Open wounds not being covered especially on the hands. The incorrect use of PPE or the none use of PPE. Sharing personal items between each other. Incorrect food prep and storage.
2.1 Explain the conditions needed for the growth of micro-organisms.

The main requirements for the growth of micro-organisms are time and moisture, some need oxygen and warmth, (although micro-organisms can live without air and live in temperatures from 0 to 40 + degrees).

2.2 Explain the ways an infection agent might enter the body.

Microorganisms must either attach to, or penetrate one of bodies surfaces. The site through which a microorganism enters the body is called the route of entry. The skin acts as a protective barrier, in order to cause infection the microorganism must break through the protective barrier. they either do this through a natural opening such as the mouth ,nose, ears, eyes, urethra, rectum or vagina, or enter through a unnatural break in the skins surface such as cuts and grazes, bites or scratches. They can also occur through a surgical wound caused by a operation. Also conditions such as psoriasis or eczema cause breaks in the skin which microorganisms can enter.

2.3 Identify common sources of infection.

Human beings:
The transfer of microorganisms can take place between people. The actions of touching, breathing, coughing, and dealing with bodily fluids such as urine, faeces, blood and vomit can increase the risk of infection. Also if the person is a carrier of infection it could be passed on to other people.
Insects:
Insects frequently land on and ingest waste which carries a large amount of microorganisms, insects then land on food which humans eat . Some insects can pass on infection when they bite humans. this because it is transmitted straight into the blood stream, a common example of this is malaria.
Contaminated objects:
Objects can become contaminated especially in the health care sector things such as, Beds, Towels, bedding, toilets, sinks, and baths, These become contaminated through bodily fluid such as urine and faeces. If these are cleaned on a regular basis it could lead to the spread of microorganisms. Transfer of these microorganisms happens when a susceptible person unknowingly come sin contact with the contaminated object.

CU254

2.4 Explain how infective agents can be transmitted to a person.

Indirect contact occurs when infecting micro-organisms are transported via contaminated objects such as food, water, animals, or insects.
Direct contact occurs when a person who is infected touches a person who is not. The result is a physical transfer of the harmful microorganisms from a person who is either infected or a carrier of infection to a susceptible person.
The team cross-infection is the spread of infection from one person to another by incorrect food handling, clinical waste bodily fluid spills sharps injuries and following the correct procedure for hand washing.

2.5 Identify the key factors that will make it more likely that infection will occur.

The key factors that make it more likely that an infection will occur include proximity to others (either infected or uninfected people), dirty and/or contaminated areas, equipment or laundry, and contact with body fluids.