1. Yvonne Hanson Senior Infection Prevention and Control Nurse The Wonderful World of Microbiology The Most Abundant Life form on the Planet – Why?

2. To be able to begin to understand: The organisms that are included within microbiology Bacteria and viruses:  The different types (focussing on MRSA, Clostridium difficile and Norovirus  how they reproduce/multiply  The basic elements that they require in order to survive  the diseases that they cause  Colonisation Infections – how to recognise that there is an infection Wound swabbing and its importance Specimens How we can we prevent infections from occurring Aims and Objectives

3. Some Organisms within Microbiology : Viruses: smallest, live/grow only within living cells - Norovirus, Flu, colds Bacteria: reproduce quickly, major cause of disease - MRSA, Clostridium difficile, Protozoans: larger than bacteria, origin soil & water - Malaria Fungi: budding reproduction, yeasts & moulds - Thrush Multicellular parasites: live on or in another organism, E.g. Worms

4. What is a bacteria? Single celled organism Semi rigid which helps it to maintain its shape Circular DNA (some have extra plasmids – contain non essential genes Have a long tail (some more complicated than others) Can produce toxins (poisons as a waste product) Needs a microscope to see it – usually (what is the exception)

5. Three Different Shapes: Cocci (spherical) Bacilli (rod shaped) Spiral (Spirilla) vibrios: comma-shaped

6. Bacterial Multiplication

8. Food Moisture The right temperature – 37 0 C (us)! Time Oxygen – depends! Basic Elements Bacteria Need to Survive

9. Reproduction of Viruses/How do they Multiply – it is very different to bacteria!

10. Viruses – How they Multiply

11. Why Do Viral Infections Make Us Feel So Ill?

12. How Do They Survive? Change their shape Change their coating Merge together Produce spores – what are these? Withstand boiling Withstand freezing Withstand high salt concentrations Grow in marshes Can survive without oxygen They develop resistance to antibiotics – why and how? Last not least – the production of a bio film

13. Bio Film

14. Where Else Might Bio film Be a Problem within your Care Home or even Your Own Home? Escherichia coli Bathroom shower drain Catheter encrused with biofilm

15. How Does Swabbing Show Which Antibiotics to Use?

16. Agar Plate How Does Swabbing Show Which Antibiotics to Use?

17. Recognising the Signs of Infection? Pain Heat – hot to touch High temperature Swelling Discharge (exudate) Redness cellulitis Break down of further tissue Pus Odour MRSA

18. Clostridium difficile

19. How Can We Keep Ourselves, Our Patients, Their Families and Your Families Safe? Wash your Hands Awareness Effective communication Personal and patient hygiene Clean as you go Clean uniforms, washing at the highest temperature it will stand

20. It’s in Your Hands! Infection Prevention and Control It’s in Your Hands!

21. Thank You – Any Questions?