Bacteria Identification Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Study Notes

Microorganisms are ubiquitous and can be found in every environment, including on and in the human body
Microbes are the most numerous and diverse life forms known, existing for over 3.5 billion years on Earth
In a clinical environment, all microbes are treated as potentially harmful and efforts are made to eliminate them

Protozoa: large, complex, one-celled parasites that can cause diseases like malaria and dysentery
- Can form cysts, which are resistant to disinfectants but can be killed by heat
Fungi: large to medium-sized microorganisms that grow filamentous root-like structures called hyphae
- Can live on skin and in gut naturally, but can cause diseases called mycoses when they invade tissues
- Can be killed by heat and are susceptible to disinfectants
Bacteria: small microorganisms that lack a nucleus and multiply by cell division
- Can produce toxins that damage host tissues and produce chemicals that protect themselves against the immune system
- Can form biofilms, which are difficult to remove and can resist disinfectants
Viruses: small, non-living infectious objects that contain genetic information and can hijack living cells
- Can be difficult to remove from uneven surfaces and are susceptible to disruption of their chemical structure
Prions: very small proteinaceous units that can cause Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) when folded in an abnormal way
- Abnormally folded prions can convert normally folded prions into abnormal ones, causing disease
- Are difficult to remove from reusable medical devices and are resistant to heat and disinfectants

Microorganisms have a large range of sizes, from 0.01 microns (prions) to 20 microns (bacteria)
Microorganisms can grow rapidly, with some bacteria able to double in number every 20-30 minutes
Microorganisms can form biofilms, which are complex communities of microorganisms that are difficult to remove and can resist disinfectants

Decontamination involves cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization to remove or kill microorganisms
Cleaning is a critical step in decontamination, as it removes dirt, soil, and microorganisms from surfaces
Disinfection and sterilization processes are designed to kill microorganisms, but may not remove all microorganisms or biofilms
Biofilms can be particularly difficult to remove and may require specialized cleaning and disinfection protocols

Humans shed skin cells and microorganisms constantly, contaminating their surroundings
Strict hygiene procedures and use of PPE can help minimize the spread of microorganisms in clinical environments
Containment of microorganisms is critical in clean or sterile zones, such as in CSSDs, to prevent recontamination of reusable medical devices.### Clean Rooms and Sterile Areas
Extremely high levels of contamination prevention and personal protective equipment (PPE) are used in clean rooms and sterile areas of pharmaceutical and space industries.
Despite these measures, some microbes can still survive and contaminate areas.

There are three work zones in the CSSD: Contamination zone, Inspection, Assembly and Packaging zone, and Sterile Storage zone.
Each zone has its own entry and exit points, and staff must change PPE and undergo hygiene procedures when moving between zones.
In the Decontamination zone, staff are exposed to contaminated reusable medical devices and materials.

Wear fluid-resistant gowns with long-cuffed sleeves that can be tucked inside gloves.
Change gowns when they become visibly soiled or wet and discard after use.
Wear plastic bib or apron over the gown for extra protection from splashes.
Wear fluid-repellent masks with visor eye shields to reduce the risk of microbial transmission.
Wear gloves for environmental cleaning, handling contaminated reusable medical devices, and waste.
Wash hands before and after using gloves.
Remove gloves without contaminating hands or spreading contamination.

In the IAP or Sterile Storage zones, wear workwear that protects reusable medical devices and their environment.
Wear freshly laundered or disposable scrub uniforms that minimize bacterial shedding.
Wear clean, single-use, low-lint surgical hats or hoods that fully cover and confine hair.
Wear dedicated non-slip enclosed footwear that can protect from injury or contact with accidentally dropped sharp objects.