Essay about Cause And Spread Of Infections

Submitted By Clarissa-Parkes
Words: 769
Pages: 4

Causes and spread of infection

1. Understand the causes of infections.

1.1 Identify the differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Bacteria- is a microscopic organisms. They are living cells and they can multiply rapidly. Once bacteria are in the body they release poisons/toxins that make us feel ill. Not all bacteria gives us infections as bacteria is everywhere. Some examples of bacteria infections are: typhoid, whooping cough, food poisoning and cholera.
Viruses- they are the smallest organisms known. Viruses can only grow and reproduce inside other living cells. Many viruses cannot survive very long outside their host cells. There are many common viruses such as Common Cold, Chicken Pox, Flu, Herpes, HIV/AIDS, Mumps, Measles and rubella. There are many more. They are contagious and spread from person to person when a virus enters the body and begins to multiply. You can not treat a viral infections with antibiotics, your immune system will attack the virus and then your body will recover.
Fungi- is a group of organisms that includes yeasts, molds and mushrooms. Fungi prefers to live in damp conditions. There are many Fungi that are not dangerous for example baker's yeast or edible mushrooms but some cause infection. Fungal infections are contagious which means they can spread from one person to another. There are risk to catch a fungal infection such as dampness and humidity, poor blood circulation and nail and skin injury or infection. Most fungal infections are treated with anti-fungal drugs, you can also get creams, drops or ointments. A way to prevent a fungal infection is good hygiene.
Parasites- is an organism that lives on or in an organism of another species. Parasites can cause infections in humans. Some are really easy to treat others are not. Parasites are a big problem in topical and subtropical regions. There are 3 main parasites that cause infections they are Protozoa, Helminths and Ectoparasites. Parasite infections can be spread in many different ways such as contaminated water, waste, blood and through foods that have been mishandled or undercooked. Some infections can be spread by insects that act as a carrier of a disease while feeding on the host, for example malaria which is spread by mosquitoes. Anyone can get a parasite infections. Some parasite infection can be treated by medication but some can not be treated by medication. 1.2 Identify common illnesses and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Commode illness and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are: common colds, flu, mumps, chicken pox’s, athletic foot and ring worm.

1.3 describe what is meant by “infections” and “colonization”

Infections means the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that are not normally present within the body and Colonization is the process where a species spreads into new areas which can cause infection.

1.4 Explain what is meant by “systemic infection” and “localized infection”

A systemic infection is when it is in the blood stream and has