What is microbiology?
The study of microorganisms
Why is microbiology important to nursing?
Understanding of pathogens and infection control, basis for antibiotic and resistance management, essential for immunization and vaccination practices
What are the 6 kinds of microscope?
Light microscope
Dark-Field
Phase-Contract
Fluorescence
Confocal
Electron
What is a dark-field microscope used for?
To observe motility of larger live specimens
What is the phase-contrast microscope used for?
Observation of cytoplasmic
streaming, motility, and the dynamic states of cell organelles
What are fluorescence microscopes used for?
Diagnosis of infectious disease and in microbial ecology, antibodies/antigens
What are confocal microscopes used for?
Allows visualization of different planes of a specimen
What are electron microscopes for?
Really fancy and detailed inspection
What is Scanning Probe Microscopy?
Tools used to examine structures down to the atomic level
What is the abiogenesis life theory?
The theory that life spontaneously develops from nonliving matter
What is the biogenesis theory?
That living beings come from living things
When was germ theory developped?
The 1800s
When was the “golden age of microbiology”?
1857-1914
What are some things that happened in the golden age of microbiology?
Smallpox, rabies and anthrax vaccine. Advancements in microscopy. Diseases were being linked to specific microbes.
What is the impact of germ theory?
Sterilization techniques
Antiseptics for surgery
Creation of vaccines and antibiotics
Improved sanitation and hygiene practices
Understanding and control of epidemics
Ongoing research into infectious diseases, immunology and microbiology
Describe prokaryotes
Non membrane-bound organelles such as a nucleus.
Archaea and bacteria
Pro-karyote (before nucleus)
Describe eukaryotes
Membrane-bound cell organelles.
Algae, fungi, protozoans
Describe viruses
Noncellular, submicroscopic particles. Nucleic acid surrounded by protein coat.
Describe prions
Non cellular, non viral, no nucleic acids. Misfolded proteins that become an infectious agent.
Describe viroids
No protein coat. Plant pathogens
What is the risk level of a BSL level 1 infectious agent?
Not likely to pose a disease risk to healthy adults
What is the risk level of a BSL level 2 infectious agent?
Poses a moderate risk to healthy adults; unlikely to spread throughout the community; effective treatment readily availible
What is the risk level of a BSL level 3 infectious agent?
Can cause disease in healthy adults; may spread to the community; effective treatment readily available
What is the risk level of a BSL level 4 infectious agent?
Can cause disease in healthy adults; poses a lethal risk and does not respond to vaccines or antimicrobial therapy
