We are Not Alone

1. We are Not Alone

2. They are in the air we breathe . . . In our food . . . On our skin . . .

3. -on everything we touch.

4. They are . . .

5. microorganisms

6. What are microorganisms? (also called microbes)

7. Microbes are small living plantsor animals most of which are not visible to the naked eye. Some microbes cause disease or infection. Many microbes are “good” organisms that help keep balance in the environment and the body.

8. What microbes lack in size, they make up in number. On the average human, there are about 100 trillion microbes.

9. Good vs. Bad Microorganisms: Microorganisms that cause disease (germs) are referred to as pathogens. Yeah, I’m bad.

10. Microorganisms that are harmless or beneficial are called nonpathogens.

11. Most microbes are considered beneficial or harmless. 87% beneficial organisms 10% Pathogens 3% opportunists

12. The role of good microorganisms Marine & freshwater microbes form the basis of the food chain in oceans, lakes, and rivers.

13. Soil microbes help break down wastes.

14. Humans and other animals depend on bacteria in their intestines for digestion and synthesis of vitamins including: vitamin B (for metabolism) vitamin K (for blood clotting)

15. Microorganisms have many commercial applications They are used in synthesis of chemical products such as: acetone alcohol enzymes organic acids many drugs

16. They are used in the food industry for producing: pickles cheese vinegar alcoholic beverages greenolives bread yogurt

17. Main Classes of Pathogenic Organisms: • Bacteria • simple one-celled organisms • At home within “climate” of human body • compose largest group of pathogens • Fungi: yeasts & molds • Plant-like organisms that live on dead organic matter • Grow best in dark, damp places

18. 3) Viruses - smallest microbes • acellular particles (not a complete cell) 4)Protozoa • one-celled animals often found in decayed materials & contaminated water 5) Helminths • parasitic worms • caused by larval & egg infestations

19. Bacterial Infections

20. Tuberculosis • Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.

21. Medications are the cornerstone of tuberculosis treatment. But treating TB takes much longer than treating other types of bacterial infections. With tuberculosis, you must take antibiotics for at least six to nine months. The exact drugs and length of treatment depend on your age, overall health, possible drug resistance, the form of TB (latent or active) and the infection's location in the body.

22. Clostridium Difficileaka C-Diff • a bacterium that can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon. • C. difficile bacteria are passed in feces and spread to food, surfaces and objects when people who are infected don't wash their hands thoroughly. The bacteria produce spores that can persist in a room for weeks or months. If you touch a surface contaminated with C. difficile, you may then unknowingly swallow the bacteria. • Your intestines contain millions of bacteria, many of which help protect your body from infection. But when you take an antibiotic to treat an infection, the drug can destroy some of the normal, helpful bacteria as well as the bacteria causing the illness. Without enough healthy bacteria, C. difficile can quickly grow out of control. • Once established, C. difficile can produce toxins that attack the lining of the intestine. The toxins destroy cells and produce patches (plaques) of inflammatory cells and decaying cellular debris inside the colon and cause watery diarrhea.

23. Treatment Doctors typically prescribe a 10-day course of one of the following oral antibiotics: metronidazole (Flagyl), Dificid (fidaxomicin), or vancomycin (Vancocin). Flagyl is usually tried first. Improvement usually happens within 72 hours after starting antibiotics, but the diarrhea may return temporarily. Another round of antibiotics is needed in about 25% of cases. In addition to prescribed medications, treatment may include: Probiotics. Available in most drug and health food stores without a prescription, probiotics are "good" bacteria that colonize in the gut and may help keep C. diff. infection from recurring if taken along with prescribed medicines. Fluids. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids or getting intravenous fluids can help guard against dehydration from diarrhea. For severe cases they are now using fecal transplants.

24. Necrotizing Fasciitis

26. Impetigo highly contagious bacterial infection

27. Impetigo is a fairly common superficial skin infection caused by bacteria. It may occur on normal skin, but the bacteria usually invades at the site of a skin abrasion, scratch, or insect bite. • Treatment is with antibiotics.

28. Extensive case of impetigo on underarm of baby.

29. Fetal Tetanus (note severe muscle contractions) Due to toxin production as a result of bacterial infection.

30. Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is caused by bacterial spores that have entered a deep wound. The spores germinate and produce a toxin which interferes with nerves controlling muscles. Progressive muscular spasms result. • If muscle spasms develop early and are severe, chances of recovery are poor. • Prevention through immunization is the best treatment

31. Diphtheria Note swelling in neck

32. Diphtheria is an acute bacterial infection that usually attacks the respiratory tract. The infection occurs by inhalation of airborne droplets.

33. Diphtheria membrane

34. Cellulitis An acute bacterial inflammation of connective tissue.

35. Cellulitis usually occurs with dermatitis, a fungal infection, or after a skin injury. It may be accompanied by a fever. • Treatment: antibiotics; elevation of infected area; application of hot, moist compresses to site.

36. Lymes Disease hallmark “bulls-eye” lesion

37. Lyme disease was first diagnosed in New Lyme, Connecticut as a rare form of arthritis. It is, however, now known to be a bacterial infection caused by a spirochete that is present in the deer tick. The vector (insect that carries the infection) usually transfers the bacteria by biting a host (human). • Signs and symptoms usually include: papule that becomes red, warm, and itchy. The lesion may grow to over 20 inches in diameter; it typically resembles a bull’s eye or target. Malaise and fatigue are constant. There are generally intermittent episodes of headaches, neck stillness, fever, chills, & achiness. • Treatment is a 10 to 20-day course of antibiotics.

38. Tiny deer tick vector that transmits lymes disease. Due to its small size, the deer tick is often hard to see, making detecting of this vector difficult.

39. Fungal Infections

40. Candidiasis: Oral Thrush

41. Candida is part of the normal flora of the mouth. It is an opportunistic infection that is usually held in check by other organisms and the immune system. When the immune system is compromised (chemotherapy, long-term illness, transplantation, stress, AIDS, etc.), the infection can occur. • Signs: cream-colored patches on tongue, mouth, and/or throat. • Treatment is with oral antifungal mouth solution --Nystatin. (“Swish & Swallow)

42. Oral Thrush: tongue

43. Candidiasis of Skin Typical red, slightly most lesions.

44. Candidiasis of the skin is characterized by pruritus (itching) and peeling. This fungal infection usually occurs in damp moist areas. It is often seen in folds of skin. The fungi will spread, producing a fringed irregular edge and pustules. The individual is subject to soreness, itching, and peeling of the lesion. Predisposing factors might include: diabetes, antibiotic therapy, immune deficiency, oral contraceptive use, cytotoxic drug therpay, and obesity. • Other common manifestations of skin candidiasis are: diaper rash & vaginitis.

45. Nail Fungus

46. Nail fungi are usually a result of extended exposure to moisture. (e.g. moisture trapped under acrylic nails). Nail beds can become red and swollen. The infected nail is whitish-yellow and tends to be flaky and soft. Purulent discharge may be seen from nail bed. • Treatment may include topical and or oral antifungal medication. Sometimes the nail may be removed.

47. Black Hairy Tongue

48. This fungal infection causes hair-like papillae on top of tongue to grow. It produces a condition in which the tongue looks as though it is covered with hair.

49. Cutaneous Fungal Infection: Tinea Versicolor Note: hypopigmented fungal lesions

50. The white patches seen on skin are due to colonies of fungi which prohibit regular pigmentation. These patches usually have a slightly raised, velvety texture. • Treatment includes use of an antifungal sulfur soap which is left on skin overnight for a period of a month. Topical antifungal ointments may help.