NEW VOCABULARY, MORE INSIGHT

SPIROCHETES: It means coiled hairs in Greek. They are thin tightly coiled helically shaped , Gram-negative bacteria that share certain unique features- most notable axial filaments. As the axial filaments rotate, a spirochete corkscrews through its environment.

Figure 1, spirochete

ORNITHOSIS: It is a disease caused by Chlamydophilia psittaci. This is a disease of birds that can be transmitted to humans, in whom it causes flulike symptoms. In some cases it can result in pneumonia, endocarditis, hepatitis, arthritis, conjunctivitis, and encephalitis.

 

Figure 2, bird with ornithosis

YAWS: It is a type of nonveneral Treponemal disease caused by T. pallidum endemicum. It is a disease predominant in tropical South America, central Africa, South East Asia characterized initially by granular skin lesions that are painless. The disease is spread through contact with spirochetes in fluid draining from the lesions.

Figure 3, Yaws disease lesion

PINTA: This is a disease caused by T. carateum and it is a skin disease seen in children in central and South America. The spirochetes are spread among children by skin-to-skin contact. After three weeks, papules form at the site of infection which might result in scarring and disfigurement.

Figure 4, pita disease in children and adults

REFERENCES:

Bauman RW. Microbiology with disease by Taxonomy. 3rd ed. San Francisco (CA): Pearson; 2011.

Figure 1: http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&hl=en&biw=1600&bih=759&tbm=isch&tbnid=82ek4EpHvKCgYM:&imgrefurl=http://spirochetesunwound.blogspot.com/2012/05/do-nonspiral-spirochetes-help-clean-our.html&docid=eKiG-u1X1mHEZM&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTg_X1qc2MxHPnrDx4kuQHkfGOvqcrSeflQld2ozjSzx0XOEAvra1MLTy-ZTOWBiTB3ad20kLAX4brn-pjR_8PVx4EBrANyeMEedvz7vPbexkNTrl6s8ixxT1oG5ONFAjWJYq9rb-SVo/s1600/Alban00-f1.jpg&w=674&h=339&ei=YMJ6UdytOq7k4AP4ooDACw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=185&vpy=22&dur=140&hovh=159&hovw=317&tx=211&ty=88&page=1&tbnh=133&tbnw=265&start=0&ndsp=32&ved=1t:429,r:17,s:0,i:177

Figure 2: http://www.tubiszoli.eoldal.hu/fenykepek/galambok/betegsegekkepekben/ornithosis.html

Figure 3: http://see.visualdx.com/diagnosis/yaws

Figure 4: http://brianaltonenmph.com/gis/population-health-surveillance/production-examples/pinta-yaws-and-bejel-icds-103-102-and-104/

MORE VOCABULARY

Hypersensitivity:

 This can be defined as any immune response against a foreign antigen that is exaggerated beyond the norm. There are four main types of hypersensitivity response. Some people experience hypersensitivity to certain perfumes, wearing wool, or dusting furniture through sneezing, runny nose, or wheezing.

Figure 1 hypersensitivity

Mast cells:

Mast cells are specialized relatives of white blood cells, deriving from other stem cells in the bone marrow. They are distributed all throughout the body in connective tissues other than blood and mostly close to body surfaces including the skin and walls of the intestines and airways. They have a cytoplasm containing large granules loaded with a mixture  of potent inflammatory chemicals such as histamine.

Figure 2 mast cell

Herd immunity:

Herd immunity is the protection provided by all individuals in a population due to the inability of a pathogen to effectively spread when a large proportion of individuals (more than 75%) are resistant. The society can be provided with herd immunity when patients follow recommended immunization  schedule.

Figure 3 herd immunity

Pseudomembranous colitis:

It is an infection caused by Clostridium difficile. In Pseudomembranoous colitis, large sections of the colon wall slough off, potentially perforating the colon, and leading to massive internal infection by fecal bacteria and eventually death.

Figure 4

REFERENCES:

Bauman RW. Microbiology with disease by Taxonomy. 3rd ed. San Francisco (CA): Pearson; 2011. 730p.

PICTURES:

Figure 1 http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5092780349_17f90cb6ba.jpg?w=560

Figure 2 http://www.abcam.com/ps/CMS/Images/Mast%20Cell_589v398.jpg
Figure 3 http://theprimalparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/herd-immunity-slide-17.png
Figure 4 http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm1004244

NEW MICROBIOLOGY DEFINITIONS

CLONAL DELETION:
This is the process by which the body eliminates self-reactive lymphocytes by deleting their offspring. In humans, clonal deletion occurs in the thymus for T lymphocytes and in the bone marrow for B lymphocytes. The process however occurs differently in both type of cells.

Figure 1, Clonal deletion process

CLASS SWITCHING:
It is a process by which a plasma cell combines its variable region gene for a different Fc region and begins secreting a new class of antibodies. The most common switch is plasma cell switching to synthesize immunoglobulin G. This type of switch is a switch to the gene for heavy gamma chain.

Figure 2, class switching

APOPTOSIS:
The simplest definition of apoptosis is programmed cell suicide. This process is usually triggered when perforin (target cell with protein) molecules form into a tubular structure in the target cell's membrane, forming a channel through which granzyme enters the cells, thus triggering apoptosis.

Figure 3, the process of Apoptosis

CHEMOTAXIS:
It is the movement of a cell either towards a chemical stimulus (positive chemotaxis) or away from a chemical stimulus (negative chemotaxis). Positive chemotaxis in phagocytes involves the use of pseudopodia to move towards microorganisms where there is infection.


Figure 4, Chemotaxis

REFERENCES
Bauman RW. Microbiology with disease by Taxonomy. 3rd ed. San Francisco (CA): Pearson; 2011.

PICTURES
Figure 1: http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&biw=1600&bih=759&tbm=isch&tbnid=wph2RrvlKb0nhM:&imgrefurl=http://www.nature.com/nri/journal/v4/n10/box/nri1456_BX3.html&docid=GPd41NMEQEbyYM&imgurl=http://www.nature.com/nri/journal/v4/n10/images/nri1456-i3.jpg&w=600&h=372&ei=hDBoUce3IvXG4APOuIHYBQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=187&page=1&tbnh=150&tbnw=242&start=0&ndsp=32&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0,i:94&tx=58&ty=59

Figure 2: http://www.google.com/imgres?biw=1600&bih=759&tbm=isch&tbnid=wZmThaAac8CAxM:&imgrefurl=http://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/im1-07-08-t-cells/deck/1073514&docid=F3ATTfTAodZQKM&imgurl=http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/33/flashcards/602033/jpg/important_th2_cytokines1315462704587.jpg&w=1110&h=905&ei=gjNoUbbtDdfJ4AP3h4CgBw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=266&page=1&tbnh=153&tbnw=188&start=0&ndsp=36&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:0,i:109&tx=91&ty=103

Figure 3: http://www.google.com/imgres?biw=1600&bih=759&tbm=isch&tbnid=RpLwOJmpk9y93M:&imgrefurl=http://www.copewithcytokines.de/cope.cgi%3Fkey%3DApoptosis&docid=q_lIeTIc7SE9vM&imgurl=http://www.copewithcytokines.de/apoptosis.gif&w=405&h=237&ei=TThoUaeyNs_I4AP22YH4Aw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=365&vpy=135&dur=1014&hovh=172&hovw=294&tx=126&ty=141&page=1&tbnh=121&tbnw=201&start=0&ndsp=37&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0,i:88

Figure 4: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chtxphenomen1.png

REFLECTING FURTHER

Microbiology though seemingly complex at the beginning of the semester have actually become the most fascinating and insightful subject. I learn a lot of new things in Microbiology in class, from my classmates, and through the world around me. One of the most interesting topics I have learnt thus far is on controlling microbial growth in the environment and through antimicrobial drugs. Microorganisms respond to different groups of medication and if treatments are not followed appropriately, pathogens can develop resistance to certain antimicrobials.  This is important to my nursing career as I understand the implication of giving right doses of antimicrobials, their desired effects, side effects, and necessary patient education in order to avoid resistance. The topic on infectious diseases, their transmission, and their epidemiology have been particularly critical as an aspiring nurse especially in the light of nosocomial and iatrogenic infections in the healthcare setting. The information learnt in class reinforces my understanding of Anatomy and physiology especially in topics like genetics and the different types of immunity, all of which have been revisited in both classes. Through microbiology I have discovered different important learning styles like using animations, practice quizzes and concept maps, all of which are still helping me in my educational journey. The most confusing topics this far are microbial genetics and the mechanism of action for specific antimicrobials. My understanding of these topics can be improved by revisiting them in class with the professor and my classmates. As mentioned in my other blog entries, almost everything learnt in microbiology has changed the way I listen to health related information as I always try to make connections with my class knowledge. The subject of disease transmission has impacted my life as I have learned of different vehicles of disease transmission and that any inanimate object can be a potential vehicle of transmission.  

REFERENCE:

Bauman RW. Microbiology with disease by Taxonomy. 3rd ed. San Francisco (CA): Pearson; 2011.

TO USE WOOD OR POLYETHYLENE CUTTING BOARDS

While researching for information on our laboratory product which is about determining the survival of microorganism on hardwood cutting boards and polyethylene (plastic) board, I found a research already done on the subject. There have been debates on whether the former, or later are safer to use and when asked what they thought most people said that bacterial will survive more on wood board even after sanitizing. Miller, Brown, and Call (1996), carried out a research to determine potential attachment and removal of bacteria from ground beef on wooden and polyethylene cutting boards. As their methods the researchers used meat and Escherichia coli samples on the board while maintaining basic sanitary measures.  At the end of their experiment, Miller, et al. (1996) found out that beef bacterial micro biota on polyethylene and wooden cutting boards had similar potential for attachment and removal. Nevertheless bacterial count and growth were higher on the new wooden cutting board at the end of the exposure than the old one. This might be due to the fact that wood is biodegradable and so provide a favorable environment for bacterial to grow and reproduce. Bacterial count will normally reduce with the old wood cutting board due to the presence of cracks and cuts which harbor bacterial. On the other hand, old plastic board will harbor more bacteria even after cleaning since it is not biodegradable. Despite the results of this experiment, it does not exclude contrary findings on the same topic. So it is up to everyone to decide either to use wood which does not keep bacteria on its surface or use plastic but replace it often due to the cracks. Whichever method one chooses, it is important to use proper sanitary measures in cleaning them in order to avoid diseases from bacteria like salmonella. This article was not only interesting in relation to my project but also in connection to what is thought in class on physical method of microbial control. This is because before controlling the growth and spread of a microbe, one must learn about the condition under which they survive.

Works Cited

Miller AJ, B. T. (1996). comparison of wooden and polyethylene Cutting Boards: Potential for the attachment and removal of bacteria fron ground beef. Eastern regional research center , 1-5.

INVESTIGATION PART I

For a couple of weeks now, we have been studying the effect and uses of antimicrobial  Thus while choosing an article for my research paper; I came across an interesting article on microbial resistance to triclosan. Triclosan is a broad spectrum antimicrobial which means that it is effective against a variety of microorganisms; bacteria, fungi, and viruses. According to Bauman (2011), triclosan is a Bisphenolic and is included in almost every product we use either for personal care or in materials such plastic and clothing. It is used worldwide toothpaste, shower gels, deodorant soaps, hand lotions, hand soaps, mouth washes, and underarm deodorant.

Serafini and Matthews 2009, as well as other researchers have been worried at the possibility that triclosan overuse can result in microorganism resistance to clinically important antimicrobial  In order to answer this question, Serafini and Matthews carried out two experiment using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to first investigate the development of resistance by a clonal population of theses bacteria. The second experiment involved reversing the experiment to see if the bacteria could return to their wild life sensitivity to triclosan if grown without it. These researchers found out that both bacteria developed resistance to triclosan and both could be returned to their wildlife state.

The most important message to me as an ascribing nurse or to anybody reading this is that the more chemicals we use in and around our environment, the more antimicrobial resistance occurs and increase the risk of the development of “superbugs” that are resistant to traditional treatment. So we should not abuse the use of chemicals on ourselves or on our environment and thus save our world.

Works Cited.

Bauman RW. Microbiology with disease by Taxonomy. 3rd ed. San Francisco (CA): Pearson; 2011. 272p.

Serafini A. and Matthews DM. Microbial resistance to Triclosan: A case study in natural selection. The American Biology teacher. 17(9): 536-540.

PICTUIRES.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIckyYoEgqGnATZ3_YEBOeM8INrswjzQGoB5MUIeO8r7XtKxKSZc-H_UW1rxwmJCzysj2mnYSC_8krxRF-QQ0Q5vOPOnldhHa-0NFcxAnSQ91gf0o1Y8Q3y31NtEXHQX7mCzCDW448Di4/s1600/triclosan_Products.jpg

http://glynnesoaps.com/soap_blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Triclosan_Label.jpg

http://greenlivingonline.com/sites/default/files/ed_triclosan.jpg

http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/triclosan/images/citizens-summary-triclosan.jpg

NEW VOCABULARY

IONIZING RADIATION AND IONIZING RADIATION:

Ionizing radiation is a form of radiation with a wave-length shorter than 1nm that are energetic enough to create ions by ejecting electrons from atoms. This type form radiation creates ions that disrupt hydrogen bonding, oxidize double covalent bonds, and create highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. They cause fatal mutations and cell death.

Nonionizing radiation has an electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength greater than 1nm as it does not have sufficient energy to force electrons out of orbit. This type of radiation affect the three dimensional structure of proteins and nucleic acids as electrons cannot form new covalent bonds.

DESICCATION:

This is drying, that inhibiting microbial growth by drying. The drying inhibits the spread of pathogens like syphilis, gonorrhea, and pneumonia bacteria. This form of drying have also be used for years for preserving foods like nuts, peas, grains, yeast, and fruit like apricots (especially in Pakistan).

AUTOCLAVE:

This is a device that uses steam heat under pressure to sterilize chemicals and objects that can tolerate moist heat. This device is used in autoclaving which is a moist heat related method of microbial control. An autoclave has a pressure chamber, pipes to introduce and let out steam, valves to remove air and control pressure, and pressure and temperature gauges to monitor the autoclaving process which is a sterilization method.

REFERENCE:

Bauman RW. Microbiology with disease by Taxonomy. 3rd ed. San Francisco (CA): Pearson; 2011. 664p.

PICTURES:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/brainyflix/photos/6831/medium.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/EM-spectrum.png

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7wCaEl3SgGYI1hE60DtWoLyZbBh-vGvxIH5dbbAbnbckocihW3PFPaidAYJgUjnTHNhjrTZ3PXBESlHKOzTYtpYMeeg_G7CgzuLIY3LwdBEQQ3y8IDY0Btx0DUT6PUdd7O4hCIvnIzk/s1600/Autoclave.jpg