1. INTRODUCTION TO BACTERIOLOGY
BACTERIOLOGY, SANITATION, DISINFECTION, STERILIZATION

2. PRINCIPLES OF INFECTION
As a Cosmetologist you have a responsibility to yourself, fellow co-workers and clients to keep a save and clean environment. Carelessness can cause infections. (An infection is the invasion of body tissues by disease causing pathogens.) Causing injury or infections could cause you to lose your license and ruin the salon’s reputation. You must follow proper procedures at all times.
Infection control is the method used to reduce or eliminate transmission of infectious organisms. As a Cosmetologist we must understand and remember the four types of potentially harmful organisms:
BACTERIA FUNGI
VIRUSES PARASITES
Many of these organisms can cause infectious disease. An infectious disease is caused by pathogenic (harmful) organisms that enter the body. An infectious disease may or may not be spread from one person to another.
In order to prevent infectious diseases harming ourselves or clients we must learn how to properly clean, sanitize and disinfect our tools and equipment.

3. CLEANING: Cleaning or (to clean) is the mechanical process (scrubbing) using soap and water or detergent and water to remove all visible dirt, debris, and many disease-causing germs from tools, implements, and equipment.
SANITATION: To sanitize is a chemical process for reducing the number of disease-causing germs on cleaned surfaces to a safe level.
DISINFECTION: To disinfect is a chemical process that uses specific products to destroy harmful organisms ( except bacterial spores) on environmental surfaces.
STERILIZATION: To sterilize is the process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores.
Disinfectants used in salons must be bactericidal (capable of destroying bacteria, virucidal (capable of destroying viruses, and fungicidal (capable of destroying fungi. We have a professional and legal obligation to protect our clients from harm by using proper infection control procedures.

4. UNDERSTANDING BACTERIA
INTRODUCTION TO BACTERIA – BACTERIOLOGY
Bacteriology – The science that deals with the study of Micro-organisms called Bacteria.
Micro-Organisms – Any organism of microscopic or submicroscopic size.
Bacteria – Minute, one-celled vegetable organisms also called germs or microbes.
Found virtually everywhere, in dirt, dust, refuse and diseased tissues.
Can be seen only with the aid of a microscope
1500 rod-shaped bacteria barely reach across a pin head.

5. TYPES OF BACTERIA: NON-PATHOGENIC AND PATHOGENIC
TYPE 1. Non-Pathogenic – Beneficial or harmless bacteria
Most numerous bacteria
Useful functions – decompose refuse, improve some conditions
Belong to saprophyte group – require dead matter for growth (a type of nonpathogenic bacteria that causes dead organic matter to decay thus helps enrich the soil.
Some cultures (acidophilus) are used to make yogurt and some cheese, bacteria in yeast cause bread to rise and other bacteria create the alcohol in wine.
Stimulates immune response
Helps metabolize food
Some cultures are used to produce penicillin
Special types of milk used for gastrointestinal disorders
Protects against infection

6. TYPE II PATHOGENIC BACTERIA – HARMFUL & DISEASE CAUSING
Pathogenic Bacteria (germs or microbes) are harmful microorganisms, and although in the minority, that can cause disease or infection in humans when they invade the body, plant or animal tissue.
Fewest Bacteria
Disease producing to live tissue
Belong to the Parasite group – require living matter for growth
Enter the body through breaks in the skin, mouth, nose, eyes, ears and unprotected sex.
Disease causing bacteria or viruses that are carried through the body in the blood or bodily fluids like HIV and hepatitis are called BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS.

7. CLASSIFICATIONS OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA
3 MAIN GROUPS OR CLASSIFICATIONS
COCCI – ROUND SHAPED ORGANISMS, APPEAR IN GROUPS OR SINGULARLY. THERE ARE THREE FORMS OF COCCI BACTERIA:
A. STAPHLYOCOCCI OR STAPH:
1. Puss forming
2. Grow in bunches or clusters like grapes
3. Generally produce LOCAL INFECTIONS (localized to one
area), causing abscesses, pustules and boils
B. STREPTOCOCCI
2. Grow in Chains
3. Causes GENERAL INFECTIONS (those infections that spread into the
blood stream) causing infections such as Strep throat and blood
poisoning.
COCCI

8. C. DIPLOCOCCI
1. grow in pairs
2. causes bacterial pneumonia
BACILLA – SHORT ROD-SHAPED ORGANISMS (SHORT, THIN, THICK)
1. MOST COMMON
2. PRODUCT DISEASES SUCH AS INFLUENZA (FLU), TETNUS(LOCKJAW),
TYPHOID FEVER, LEPROSY, TUBERCULOSIS, DIPTHERIA
SPIRILLA – CORKSCREW OR SPIRAL SHAPED ORGANISMS
1. Sub-divided into many groups:
a. most common – Treponema pallida which causes syphilis (a sexually
transmitted disease) (STD)
b. Borrelia burgdorferi which causes Lyme disease (caused by ticks)
c. Cholera

9. MOVEMENT OF BACTERIA
Different bacteria move in different ways: either by self-movement (motility) or by use of flagella or cilia ( slender, hair-like, whip-like extensions that enable the cell to move in a liquid).
COCCI BACTERIA are transmitted in the air, in dust or within the substance in which they settle, they do not have motility or self movement. Bacilli and spirilla are both capable of movement and use flagella or cilia (slender, hair-like, whip=-like extensions) Flagella and cilia are similar in that they both help bacilli and spirilla move but in different ways. Flagella are longer and cilia are shorter. Flagella move in a snake-like motion and cilia move in a rowing motion.
This movement or motion is called locomotion.

10. BACTERIAL GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION
Bacteria consist of an outer cell wall containing liquid called protoplasm. They manufacture their own food through what they absorb from surrounding environments. They grow, reproduce and give off waste products. The life cycle of bacteria consists of two distinct phases: the active or vegetative stage and the inactive or spore-forming stage.
ACTIVE OR VEGETATIVE STAGE:
a. Grow and Reproduce
1. Conditions are considered to be favorable for growth when conditions are: dark, dirty, damp and warm bacteria will grow and multiply.
2. Binary fission or Mitosis- Simple Cell Division
When bacteria reach their largest size or maturity, they will divide into two identical cells which are called daughter cells.
3. This division happens as often as every 20 minutes. (up to 16 million in ½ day.

11. BACTERIAL INFECTIONS:
INACTIVE (SPORE-FORMING STAGE:
a. When favorable conditions cease to exist (dry, bright, clean)
1. Bacteria die and/or cease to multiply
2. Certain bacilli such as anthrax and tetanus bacilli coat themselves with
a hard waxy outer covering called a spore which can withstand long
periods of famine, dryness and unsuitable temperatures. The spores
are not harmed by disinfectants, extreme heat (water boils at 212 F.,
extreme cold (liquid helium freezes at 507 F., chemicals or sunlight.
When conditions become favorable again they shed their spores and
begin to grow and reproduce again. Only sterilization can kill bacterial spores.
BACTERIAL INFECTIONS:
An INFECTION occurs when body tissues are invaded by disease-causing
Or pathogenic bacteria. There can be no bacterial infection without the
Presence of pathogenic bacteria. A client may have INFLAMMATION
(a condition in which the body reacts to injury, irritation, or infection).
Inflammation carries head, pain and swelling. PUS is a fluid created by tissue
inflammation and contains white blood cells, bacteria and dead cells. Pus
Is a sign of a bacterial infection. So, if bacteria is eliminated, then clients cannot
Become infected.

12. TYPES OF INFECTIONS: THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF INFECTIONS, LOCAL AND
GENERAL.
LOCAL INFECTION – Limited to one area (ex: pimple, abscess and boils).
Staphylococci (staph) most common human bacteria, carried by about 1/3 of
the population. Can be picked up on doorknobs and other surfaces, shaking
hands and unclean implements. Responsible for food poisoning and toxic
Shock syndrome. Usually appear as skin infection, pimples or boils. (ex: MRSA
Methicillin resistant staphylpcoccus aureus)
2. GENERAL INFECTION – Spreads throughout the body through the
bloodstream (ex: blood poisoning and syphilis)
CAUSES OF INFECTION:
Sources:
a. Unclean hands, instruments, open sores & pus, mouth & nose discharges,
using and sharing of towels, drinking cups, uncovered coughing, sneezing,
and spitting in public.
b. Enter the body through the mouth, eyes, nose, breaks or wounds in the skin
c. Contagious or communicable – Disease spreading from one person to
another by direct or indirect contact. Common contagious diseases
preventing professionals from working: common cold, ringworm, pink eye
(conjunctivitis), and viral infections.

13. DEFENSES:
a. Unbroken skin – First in line of defense:
1. Healthy person’s body secretions such as perspiration and digestive
juices discourage bacterial growth
b. Bloodstream:
1. White corpuscles to devour bacteria
2. Antitoxins to counteract toxins caused by bacteria
IMMUNITY – THE ABILITY OF THE BODY TO RESIST DISEASE
1. NATURAL – Natural resistance to disease
a. Partly inherited (born with it) and partly developed by hygienic living.
2. ACQUIRED – Artificial
a. Achieved after the body has overcome certain diseases by itself
ex: chicken pox, measles
b. Assisted by injections inoculation
ex: small pox
3. HUMAN DISEASE CARRIER – Immune
a. An individual who is personally immune to a disease, yet carries the
germ that can infect other people
ex: typhoid fever

14. VIRUSUS:
A VIRUS is a submicroscopic structure capable of infecting almost all plants,
Animals and bacteria.
So small it can pass through pores of a porcelain filter
3. Causes the common cold, respiratory, digestive tract infections, measles,
mumps, Chicken pox, small pox, rabies, yellow fever, hepatitis, polio, influenza
(flu) and HIV which causes AIDS
Human Papilloma virus (HPV) also known as PLANTAR WARTS is a common
viral infection. Highly contagious – if a flare-up is visible – no pedicure service
5. Can live only by penetrating cells and becoming part of them, while
bacteria live on their own
Viruses are resistant to antibiotics.
Vaccinations prevent viruses from growing in the body, such as the hepatitis B
vaccination.

15. BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS:
Disease-causing microorganisms that are carried in the body or blood or body fluids, such as hepatitis
And HIV are called BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS. Spread of bloodborne pathogens is possible through Haircutting, chemical burns, shaving, nipping, clipping, facial treatments, waxing, tweezing or any
Broken skin.
Cutting live skin is illegal in the State of Florida and considered to be invasive which only Medical professionals are allowed to do.
Cutting live tissue (eponychium) around the cuticle is
Considered to be a medical procedure.

16. HEPATITIS:
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a bloodborne virus similar to HIV. Present in all body fluids. There are three types of hepatitis:
Hepatitis a – lasts about 3 weeks, symptoms are similar to flu, yellowing skin or eyes. Spread through household contact, bathroom use, sanitation, personal hygiene and contaminated food.
Hepatitis B – HBV – long term hepatitis, cirrhosis liver cancer. Mostly no symptoms, primarily
transferred through sexual contact, blood to blood contact. Most difficult to kill on a surface
making sure the proper disinfectant for Hepatitis B is used. Vaccine available
Hepatitis C –HCV – progresses slowly – 1/3 of the infected people have no symptoms
HIV/AIDS:
HIV (HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS) is the virus that causes AID(ACQUIRED
IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) HIV is spread through blood to blood contact,
Semen, vaginal secretions, sexual contact, spread mainly through sharing of
infected needles, accidents with infected needles, and unprotected sex. May
have for years without any apparent symptoms. Contaminated implements
Used when accidentally cutting someone who is HIV positive must immediately
cleaned and disinfected as not to infect anyone else.
AIDS is a disease that breaks down the body’s immune system.

17. FUNGI:
FUNGI OR FUNGUS are microscopic plant parasites that include mold, mildews, and yeasts. Produce
Contagious diseases such as TINEA (ringworm) MILDEW another fungus, affects plants or grows on
Inanimate objects but does not cause human infections in the salon. The most common fungal infection
In regards to hair services is TINEA BARBAE (barber’s itch) affects the skin around the bearded area
As well as along the nape and nape hairline. Usually occurs in older adolescents and adult males.
Another fungal infection is TINEA CAPITIS – infection of the scalp with red papules at the opening of the
Hair follicles. Another fungal infection affecting the foot is TINEA PEDIS-ringworm of the foot. (All can
Be spread from client to client if implements are not properly cleaned and disinfected.

18. PARASITES:
PARASITES are organisms that grow, feed, and shelter on or in another organism
(host) while contributing nothing to the survival of that organism. They must have
a host to survive. Parasites can live on or inside of humans and animals. Ticks,
fleas, mites affect humans on or in the skin.
HEAD LICE (PEDICULOSIS CAPITIS SIMPLEX) is a parasite responsible for
contagious diseases and Conditions of the head and scalp.
SCABIES – (ITCH MITE) is a contagious skin disease in which the itch mite
burrows under the skin.
These contagious diseases can only be treated by a physician. Contaminated
tools, equipment and countertops must be cleaned properly and then disinfected
with an EPA-registered disinfectant using proper contact time. .

19. PRINCIPLES OF PREVENTION
The salon must be kept in an ASEPTIC (free from pathogenic bacteria) condition.
If pathogenic bacteria is present the salon will be toxic, unsanitary also called
SEPTIC (from the word sepsis.)
DECONTAMINATION is the removal of blood or other potentially infectious
Materials on an item’s surface and the removal of visible debris or residue such
As dust, hair, and skin.
There are two methods of decontamination, they are:
Decontamination Method #1-two steps:
a. cleaning first (also called sanitation or sanitizing)
b. then disinfecting with an appropriate EPA registered disinfectant

20. Decontamination Method #2 – Cleaning then sterilizing-Sterilization is the
process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores.
Decontamination methods #2 destroys all microbes and spores through heat
and pressure in an autoclave. Some states require Nail Tech and Estheticians
to use Decontamination Method #2 but not in Florida. Florida does not allow
any invasive procedures.
REMEMBER: NEVER USE DISINFECTANTS ON SKIN OR ANY PART OF THE
BODY. DISINFECTANTS CAN CAUSE SKIN IRRITATIONS OR ALLERIGIC
REACTIONS All disinfectants must be diluted according to manufacturers
directions for proper disinfection. Always add the disinfectant concentrate to
The water when mixing and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
Proper dilution. Wear safety glasses and gloves to avoid accidental contact
With eyes and skin.
Disinfectants must have EFFICACY claims on the label. Efficacy means the
Effectiveness with which a disinfecting solution kills organisms when used
according to the label instructions.
Maintain efficacy in the presence of BIOBURDEN, the number of viable organisms
In or on an object or surface or the organic material on the surface of an object
Before decontamination or sterilization.

21. DISINFECTANT TIPS:
Use only on pre-cleaned, hard, nonporous surfaces – not on single use buffers
or abrasive files.
Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling disinfectant solutions.
Always dilute products and change according to manufacturers directions.
Items must remain submerged in the disinfectant for 10 minutes unless the
product label specifies differently.
If the product label states: “Complete Immersion,” the entire implement must
be completely immersed in the solution.
TYPES OF DISINFECTANTS APPROPRIATE FOR SALON USE:
Quaternary ammonium compounds also known as QUATS or formalin.
Quats are disinfectants that are very effective when used properly in the salon.
Quats are considered safe and fast acting.
Quat solutions disinfect implements in 10 to 15 minutes.
Quat formulas may contain anti-rust ingredients, so leaving tools in the
solution for prolonged periods can cause dulling or damage.
Quats are also very effective for cleaning table and countertops.
To be effective a quat solution must be as strong as 1 part Quats to 1,000
parts water or 2/3 ounce of quats to 1 gallon of water. Mixed to this strength
this formula will kill all of the following: Herpes simplex virus, Influenza A,
Staph bacteria, Fungus and Vegetable bacteria.
Quats or formalin formula of 1:1000 is 37% formaldehyde, 6.5% methanol, and
56.5% water.

22. ALCOHOL, BLEACH AND COMMERCIAL CLEANERS: ALCOHOL:
PHENOLICS:
Powerful tuberculocidal disinfectants
Form of formaldehyde
Very High pH
Can damage the skin and eyes
Damage plastic and rubber and can cause metals to rust.
Harmful to environment if put down the drain.
Should never be used to disinfect pedicure tubs or equipment.
ALCOHOL, BLEACH AND COMMERCIAL CLEANERS:
ALCOHOL:
Three most widely used:
Methyl alcohol (methanol) simplest form, used as antifreeze, solvent & fuel
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol or grain), used in salons must be no less than 70%
Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing), used in salons must be 70% to 99% to be effective
Extremely flammable
Evaporate quickly and slow acting
Less effective than disinfectants
BLEACH:
Sodium Hypochlorite is an effective disinfectant and has been used in salons.
Using too much can damage some metals and plastics
Can cause skin and eye irritation
Mix according to manufacturers directions, must have EPA registration #.
Mix fresh solution every 24 hours to a 10% solution-9 pt water to 1 pt bleach
When mixed as disinfectant, can be used on tabletops, floors etc.

23. DISINFECTION CONTAINERS:
WET DISINFECTION CONTAINERS:
BARBICIDE JARS- GLASS -BARBICIDE DISINFECTANT – USED FOR COMBS
DISINFECTION TRAY- HARD PLASTIC - BARBICIDE DISINFECTANT – USED FOR NAIL IMPLEMENTS
DISINFECTION CONTAINER – NONMETAL, LARGE, DEEP ENOUGH TO KEEP IMPLEMENTS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED – MUST HAVE A CLOSEABLE COVER - SHIP SHAPE DISINFECTANT – USED FOR BRUSHES, PERM RODS, ROLLERS, COMBS
DRY DISINFECTION CONTAINER:
AIRTIGHT CABINET OR DRAWER THAT HAS A CHEMICAL AGENT IN IT. (STATION) WITH
Steri-dry fumigant.
ULTRAVIOLET RAY DRY DISINFECTION CONTAINER:
USES UV RAY BULBS THAT HAVE A GERMICIDAL EFFECT, MEANING THEY KILL
MOST BACTERIA AND SOME VIRUSES, ALSO DRYS THE IMPLEMENTS IN IT:
BRUSHES, ROLLERS, PW RODS, COMBS, ETC.

24. DISINFECT OR DISPOSE?
Two types of items used in salons:
Multi-use or reusable
items that can be cleaned, disinfected and used on more than one person.
Items must have a hard, nonporous surface.
Examples: nippers, shears, combs, metal pushers, rollers, perm rods
Single-use or disposable
Items that cannot be reused due to the fact that they cannot be disinfected
because they are porous (meaning that an item is made or constructed of a
material that has pores or openings and are absorbent. Ex: towels, chamois,
linens, nail files and buffers
Examples of single use or disposable items: wooden sticks, cotton balls,
sponges, gauze, tissues, paper towels, nail files and buffers.
Must be thrown out after each use.
Porous or absorbent items must be disposed of properly if the skin is
accidentally cut during the service or if they come into contact with unhealthy
skin or nails. Remember: “WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT”
SOAPS AND DETERGENTS:
Chelating soaps also known as chelating detergents work to break down stubborn
Films and remove the residue of pedicure products such as scrubs, salts &
masks.

25. HAND WASHING: When washing hands, use liquid soaps in pump containers,
Bar soaps can grow bacteria. You must wash hands before and after each client.
ANTISEPTICS: are chemical germicides formulated for use on the skin and are
Registered and regulated by the FDA. Antiseptics can contain either alcohol or
Benzalkonium chloride which is less drying to the skin than alcohol. Neither
Type of antiseptic can clean the hands of dirt and debris this can only be
Accomplished with liquid soap, a soft bristle brush, and water. Never use
Antiseptics to disinfect instruments or other surfaces.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS: Are guidelines published by OSHA that require
The employer and employee to assume that all human blood and body fluids are
Infectious for bloodborne pathogens.
Taking the time to conduct a thorough hair and scalp analysis will enable you to
Determine whether a client has any open wounds or abrasions. If the client does
Have an open wound or abrasion, do not perform services of any kind for the
Client.
Clients who are infected with the hepatitis B virus or other bloodborne pathogens
are asymptomatic which means that they show no symptoms or signs of infection
Bloodborne pathogens are more difficult to kill than germs that live outside the
body.

26. EXPOSURE INCIDENT: CONTACT WITH BLOOD OR BODY FLUID
An EXPOSURE INCIDENT is contact with non-intact (broken) skin, blood, body
Fluids or other potentially infectious materials that is the result of the
Performance of an employee’s duties.
Never attempt to clean or disinfect any used tool or implement at your work-
Station. Proper cleaning and disinfecting should only be accomplished in a
Specified area of the salon and requires the use of clean, warm running water, a
Scrub brush, and liquid soap for cleaning and disinfectant solution for
Disinfecting. Tools and implements must also be completely rinsed after being
Disinfected and then dried and kept in a dry covered container until used.
YOUR PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY:
NEVER TAKE SHORTCUTS FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTING
Your professional and legal responsibility to follow state and federal laws and
rules.
Keep your license current and notify the licensing agency if you move or
change your name.
Check your state’s Web site weekly for any changes or updates to rules and
regulations.