Bacteriology

Question 1

define bacteria

Answer 1

single-celled microorganisms with both plant and animal characteristics

Question 2

what are the two types of bacteria?

Answer 2

1. pathogenic: harmful, can cause disease/infection in humans
2. non-pathogenic: harmless, may perform useful functions in the body

Question 3

what are the 3 types of pathogenic bacteria?

Answer 3

1. cocci: round/spherical
2. bacilli: rod-shaped
3. spirilla: spiral/corkscrew

Question 4

what are the 3 types of cocci bacteria?

Answer 4

1. staphylococci: pus-forming, grown in bunches/clusters, forms abscesses, pustules and boils
2. streptococci: pus-forming, grows in chains, causes strep throat
3. diplococci: grows in pairs, causes pneumonis

Question 5

describe the 2 phases of a bacteria’s life cycle.

Answer 5

• Active phase: bacteria grows and reproduces during this phase. bacterial cell division occurs every 20-60 mins
• Inactive phase: spore-forming bacteria coat themselves with a wax-like outer shell. can withstand long periods of heat, famine, etc. bacteria aren’t harmed by disinfectants at this stage

Question 6

what is the difference between aerobic, anaerobic, and facultative anaerobic bacteria?

Answer 6

• Aerobic bacteria = need oxygen to exist
• Anaerobic bacteria= cannot reproduce or survive in the presence of oxygen
• Facultative anaerobic= can adapt to conditions with and without oxygen

Question 7

what is the difference between a local and general infection?

Answer 7

local infection: indicated by a pimple or boil containing pus confined to a particular body part. caused by staph

general infection: when the blood stream carries bacteria & their toxins to all parts of the body

Question 8

what is pus?

Answer 8

fluid consisting of bacteria body cells and blood cells (especially white blood cells). usually a sign of infection. indicates body fighting infection through phagocytosis.

Question 9

define communicable/contagious disease.

Answer 9

when an infectious disease spreads from person to person

Question 10

what is a parasite?

Answer 10

an organism that grows, feeds and shelters on or in another organism, it must have a host to survive. (e.g. ticks, fleas, mites)

Question 11

what is a virus?

Answer 11

a parasitic submicroscopic particle that infects and resides in the cells of a biological organism. they are capable of replication only by taking over the host cell’s reproductive function.

Question 12

what is the difference between viruses and bacteria?

Answer 12

• Viruses: can only live and reproduce w a host, cannot be treated w/ antibiotics
• Bacteria: live and reproduce by creating their own energy, treated with antibiotics

Question 13

what is immunity?

Answer 13

the ability of the body to destroy and resist infections. can be natural or acquired.

Question 14

describe the 2 types of immunity

Answer 14

• natural immunity: partly acquired/inherited and partly develops through good health
• acquired immunity: immunity the body develops after overcoming a disease, through inoculation (e.g. flu vaccine), or exposure to natural allergens like pollen, cat dandruff or ragweed

Question 15

what is a blood-borne pathogen?

Answer 15

a disease-causing microorganism that is carried throughout the body by the blood. can be spread through waxing, tweezing, extractions, or any activity when the skin can be broken (e.g. HIV, Hepatitis)

Question 16

what are fungi?

Answer 16

microscopic plant parasites that include mildew, mold, and yeasts. Can produce contagious disease (e.g. ringworm), fungal infection usually infects skin and nails as it feeds on keratin. most fungi are non-pathogenic and make up some of the body’s natural flora