Renee Angela Mediana Access to HE Health Beating the bugs the bodys biological defence mechanisms and infection

on control Chris Geal

Describe the different ways the body resists infection In this living planet, the human bodies are constantly exposed to microorganisms. These are tiny living organisms that can only be seen through a microscope; they are also called microbes. There are five different types of microorganisms which are called bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses. Most of the microorganisms are good for the health of the body and can be useful in various ways such as for production of medicines, food and enzymes and for cleaning up of sewage and other wastes. Only small amount of microorganisms have the ability to cause harm such as infections and diseases; they are called pathogens. An infection happens when the pathogens enter the body and multiply in number. A disease occurs when the infection start to cause damage to the vital functions and systems of an individual. However, infections do not always result to diseases. The infections acquired from the microorganisms present in the flora of the body are called endogenous infections whereas the infections acquired from external resources are called exogenous infections.

Microorganisms can be transmitted through transmission routes such as through air, insects, direct physical contact, food and water. There is a general pattern of transmitting infections and diseases. It starts when the microorganisms come out of the portal of exit or the route in which the microorganism leaves the carrier host. The examples of these routes are respiratory secretions, sweat, blood and breakage of the skin. Through transmission routes, the microorganisms released from the portal of exit find a portal of entry or the route in which the microorganism enters the new host. Microorganisms can enter through penetration into punctures and abrasions, direct contact, digestive tract through ingestion, respiratory tract through inhalation of droplets or dust particles suspended in the air, urinogenitary tract and auditory tract. Once they have entered, they use its cells to collect nutrition. Eventually, they multiply in number or infect the host and they can also release toxins which cause diseases. Finally, the microorganisms can either be destroyed through treatments, be transmitted to another host, or cause death. In order for the body to fight against infections and diseases, it protects itself through defence systems. There are intrinsic defence systems in the body which are the specific and

Renee Angela Mediana Access to HE Health Beating the bugs the bodys biological defence mechanisms and infection control Chris Geal

non- specific defence systems and they act both independently and cooperatively. The nonspecific defence system is innate and is already available and ready to stop pathogens from infecting the body. The first line of non-specific defence is the barriers in our body. They are classified into two types which are the physical and the chemical barriers. The physical barriers are structured in the body which features are designed to prevent the entry of the microorganisms; they include mucous membranes, hairs and cilia. The chemical barriers are what body secretes in chemical form such as tears, sweat, stomach acid and saliva. They function to stop or reduce the speed of infection such as by trapping or killing the microorganisms. The main barrier which can both work as physical and chemical barriers is the skin. It is the biggest organ of our body and the outer layer which covers and protects the internal components of the body such as muscles, bones, nerves, organs and blood vessels against the outside world. The skin as the physical barrier works due to its different components such as the fibrous protein called keratin. This is the key structural material of the skin and causes its strength and impenetrability. The lipid bi-layer of the epidermis is responsible for making the skin water-proof through blocking the diffusion of water and other substances to-and-from the cells. This means that there could be less chance of the substances to penetrate into the skin. The continuous disposal of dead skin cells outside the layer of living skin cells ensures microorganisms cannot attach itself from the skin for a long time. When cuts or wounds are present on the skin, the blood coagulates and clots on the outer surface to stop the entry of unwanted substances. The chemical barriers contained by the skin are: the acid mantle containing sweat and sebum and human defensin proteins which help in killing microorganisms, the melanin protein which protects the skin from UV rays, and the natural flora of the skin surface where the presence of harmless microorganisms prevents pathogens to reside. The second line of non-specific defence system is the inflammatory response which happens through phagocytosis. This is the process of consuming microorganisms by the cells called phagocytes which are the cells that disposes cell debris and microorganisms. Infection control in hospitals is a major issue in healthcare today. Describe and explain the importance of hand washing and use of antiseptics