Microbiology And Parasitology (Laboratory) BIOL 014 PDF

# Microbiology And Parasitology (Laboratory) ## BIOL 014 ### Laboratory Discussion 1: Introduction to Basic Laboratory Practices Trisha Mae M. Cantillano ## Importance of Microorganisms in the Ecosystem - Microorganisms are inherent part of any ecosystem. - They are ubiquitous and have profoun...

# Microbiology And Parasitology (Laboratory) ## BIOL 014 ### Laboratory Discussion 1: Introduction to Basic Laboratory Practices Trisha Mae M. Cantillano ## Importance of Microorganisms in the Ecosystem - Microorganisms are inherent part of any ecosystem. - They are ubiquitous and have profound effects on the functioning of the earth. - Extensive research in microbiology has revealed that almost all ecosystem services are mediated by microbial metabolism including biogeochemical cycling of materials, degradation of pollutants, wastewater treatment, and production of oxygen. ## How Should We See The Microbes in The Lab? - **Good**: Illustration of colorful cartoon microbes with friendly faces. - **Bad**: Illustration of colorful cartoon microbes with scary and angry faces. ## Importance of Studying Parasites - Parasites are responsible for many diseases, especially in tropical and developing regions. - Studying parasites is crucial for monitoring and controlling outbreaks, as parasites have zoonotic potential. - Understanding the lifecycle of parasites enables the development of treatments, vaccines and control measures. ## Importance of Learning Basic Practices in The Lab - Basic practices in a laboratory are essential to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel, prevent contamination of samples, and obtain accurate and reliable results. ## Biohazard, Biosafety and Biorisk in Microbiology - **Biohazard**: Biological substances that pose a threat to health of other living organisms. - **Biosafety**: Set of rules or measures that are taken to ensure the safe handling of biological materials to prevent harm to humans, animals, or the environment. - **Biorisks**: The likelihood of exposure to a biological hazard, toxin, or infectious agent that could cause harm. Examples of biorisks: accidental release of pathogens; loss of biological materials for malicious purposes; potential contamination. ## Biohazard Management - Pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. - Toxins produced by biological agents. - Specimens or cultures containing infectious agents that can cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment if not handled properly. ## Biosafety Management - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Hand washing and hand hygiene - Work area cleaning - Sterilization - Waste disposal - Familiarization of materials, equipment and procedure (MEP) - **Image**: A diagram of a person wearing gloves with a checkmark next to it and a person wearing gloves with a red X next to it. - **Image**: Ten steps of washing hands. - **Image**: A sink with cleaning supplies and a handwashing sign. - **Image**: A person wearing gloves opening a large autoclave with medical tools inside. - **Image**: A person wearing gloves holding a yellow trash bag. - **Image**: A group of 14 lab equipment illustrations. ## Biorisks Management and Biosafety Levels - **Primary containment barriers**: Includes the physical barriers that you use to protect yourself. - **Secondary barriers**: Structural aspects of the laboratory that make the working environment safer. - **Image**: An illustration of a person wearing protective gear. - **Image**: A diagram that outlines the distinctions between Biosafety Laboratories Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4. ## Biosafety Levels - **Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1)**: Not dangerous to humans, minimal safety precautions are required. - **Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2)**: Found in most labs, organisms have potential to cause human disease by inhalation, ingestion or percutaneous exposure. - **Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3)**: Organisms are dangerous and can cause serious illness, lab personnel need specific training to work in this environment. - **Biosafety Levels 4 (BSL-4)**: Most dangerous category. Special requirements are in place to enter and work in this environment. There are only a few labs internationally that have this certification. - **Image**: A diagram of BioSafety Level 1 - **Image**: A diagram of BioSafety Level 2 - **Image**: A diagram of BioSafety Level 3 - **Image**: A diagram of BioSafety Level 4 ## Biorisks Management and Biosafety Levels | Risk Group | Risk Level | Description | Biosafety Level | |---|---|---|---| | 1 | No or low individual and community risk | A microorganism that is unlikely to cause human or animal disease | BSL-1 | | 2 | Moderate individual risk, low community risk | A pathogen that can cause human or animal disease but is unlikely to be a serious hazard to the environment. Laboratory exposure may cause serious infection but effective treatment and preventive measures are available | BSL-2 | | 3 | High individual risk, low community risk | A pathogen that usually causes serious human or animal disease but does not ordinarily spread from one infected individual to another. Effective treatment and preventive measures are available | BSL-3 | | 4 | High individual and community risk | A pathogen that usually causes serious human or animal disease and that can be readily transmitted from one individual to another. Effective treatment and preventive measures are not usually available | BSL-4 | - **Image**: A diagram outlining Biosafety Cabinet Classes 1, 2, and 3. ## Biorisks Management and Biosafety Levels - ** Image**: A website home page with search functions and a list of risk group information. ## Laboratory Waste Disposal - Items that are contaminated with microorganisms must be autoclaved before disposal or washing. - Needles and syringes must be thrown into the sharp's container. - Disposable petri dishes and other disposable plastic items used in culturing microorganisms must be disinfected before disposal. - **Image**: An illustration of an autoclave with multiple petri dishes inside.