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In I/GCSE Biology, this part will discuss pathogens. Let's see below!
Transferring infections
- Deadly infectious diseases spread in hospitals because hygiene rules are broken e.g. don’t wash hands after treating a patient
- Infections are carried by dust mites – improving ward cleanliness reduces spread of infections
Ignaz Semmelweiss
In I/GCSE Biology,
- Microorganisms – tiny living things only seen through a microscope
- Microorganisms are EVERYWHERE (food, inside me)
- One type of pathogen – microorganisms = cause illness / disease
- Women died of ‘childbed fever’ after giving birth
- Doctors working on dead bodies didn’t wash hands when delivering a baby
- Less women died when chlorinated hand soap was used before delivering birth
The discovery of pathogens
In I/GCSE Biology,
- Louis Pasteur – proved germs were in the air and they carried infection and disease
- Joseph Lister – developed carbolic soap (used on medical instruments, dressing, surgeons) – more of his patients stayed healthy
- Antiseptics – used to clean wounds or get rid of sores (e.g. nappy rash)
- Disinfectants – chemicals to clean work surfaces /other places
- Hygiene – keeping things clean to reduce risk of disease
- Pathogens stick to dirt / grease and multiply
Microorganisms
- Two main types of germs:
- Bacteria– cause cholera, boils, MRSA, typhoid, tuberculosis (TB)
- Virus – cause warts, herpes, polio, flu, mumps, measles, and smallpox
Spreading diseases (B = Bacteria, V=viruses)
- B and V spread from person to person
- Become infected by air you breath, food/drinks consumed, touching people
- Less chance of being infected if environment is clean
That's the end of the topic!
