INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL


mouth. Streptococcus pyogenes is part of the commensal flora of the nose in healthy individuals, but may cause tonsillitis and strep throat. The warm, moist environment of the upper respiratory tract provides a haven for commensal bacteria including Streptococcus, Moraxella, Neisseria, and Haemophplus, species.


“Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens, which include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, worms, viruses, and even infectious proteins called prions. Pathogens of all classes must have mechanisms for entering their host and for evading immediate destruction by the host immune system. Most bacteria are not pathogenic. “Colonisation is the presence of a microorganism on – or in – a host, with growth and multiplication of the organism, but without interaction between host and organism (no clinical expression, no immune response). Often the term colonisation is applied for relationship host agent in which the immune response is difficult to elicit. “Infection is the presence of organisms with a host response, and Transient carriage is recognised in persons who carry the organism for a short period after contact with another person who is either infected, or is carrying S. aureus.


“Infection occurs when there is a source,


or reservoir of the organism – or if there is a means of transmission, perhaps through equipment, hands, coughing or sneezing. There are a number of entry routes, including


“Exogenous bacteria are microorganisms introduced to closed biological systems from the external world. They exist in aquatic and terrestrial environments, as well as the atmosphere. Typical examples are: Pseudomonas; Salmonella; Mycobacteria; BBV; and multidrug-resistant organisms.” Karen continued her talk by describing the main types of bacteria – starting with Clostridium difficile. She explained: “Clostridium difficile, also known as C. difficile, is bacteria that can infect the bowel and cause diarrhoea. The infection most commonly affects people who have recently been treated with antibiotics. It can spread easily to others. “Campylobacter, Escherichia coli


Karen Egan, decontamination lead at Mid Cheshire Hospital.


the eyes, mouth, skin, lungs or inoculation.” Describing the significance of organisms, Karen explained the difference between endogenous and exogenous. “Bacterial flora is endogenous bacteria, which is defined as bacteria that naturally reside in a closed system. Disease can occur when microbes included in normal bacteria flora enter a sterile area of the body such as the brain or muscle. Examples include: E coli and UTI during cystoscopy; pneumonia – the aspiration of oral secretions; and bacteraemia – a biliary obstruction and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).


(E. coli) and Salmonella are bacteria found in the gut of infected people. They can also be found in water and some foods. People with these infections usually get diarrhoea and can become extremely ill. “Pseudomonas Legionella is an upper


respiratory illness, less severe than legionnaires’ disease - a gram-negative bacterium, commonly found in soil and ground water. Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive, round-shaped bacterium that is a member of the Firmicutes, and it is a usual member of the microbiota of the body. This is frequently found in the upper respiratory tract and on the skin.” iM Med is hosting the next free-of-charge study day on Thursday 7 November 2019 at the Macdonald Hotel in Manchester. CSJ


SEPTEMBER 2019


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