Bulletin 100

Bulletin 100

The Infection Process

  Microbes have existed on planet Earth for longer than man.   Unfortunately, they show no signs of being conquered.  Billions of microbes exist harmoniously amongst us; but some will be disruptive and become mysteriously virulent.

  There are hundreds of various types of microbes, including:

  Pathogenic:

These disease-producing microbes are the villains of infection.   Fortunately, they are far less than beneficial or non-pathogenic types.  Some pathogens cause only localized infections such as the common cold, while others affect various tissues and these can be deadly.

  Non-Pathogenic:

Typically, these microbes can be helpful and beneficial to our existence.

  Opportunistic:

These microbes take advantage of some compromise in a host to initiate infection.

  Resistant:

Microbes that are resistant to disinfection or sterilization.

  Less Resistant:

Microbes that are less resistant to disinfection or sterilization.

  What happens when microbes attack and invade our amazing system?  The body readily reacts by resisting the infection through a series of natural defense processes, including:

·        An elevated temperature (fever) helps control microbial growth by making the body an uncomfortable host.

·        Certain body cells called macrophages try to capture and destroy the microbial invaders by activating a process called phagocytosis.

NOTE:  A phagocyte is a cell that has the ability to ingest and destroy particulate substances such as bacteria, protozoa, cells and cell debris, dust particulate and colloids.

·        The body tissues also try to wall off the microbial invaders to localized areas (abscesses) to give the other body processes time to come to the defense of the host.

·        Body fluids try to wash away the invading microbes, as with "sniffles" that accompany a common cold.

·        A general feeling of tiredness forces the infected person to rest and thereby conserving strength, which can then be used to fight the infection.

 No question that infection control is an evolving rigorous field of technology and the process is continuous.  There are always new emerging virulent diseases.  Infection control practices are of paramount importance.  Infection control is an evolving process that requires constant attention.

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