There are 5 main pathways of environmental transmission of pathogens. Those are air-borne, food-borne, water-borne, vector-borne and blood-borne. Air-borne transmission refers to any disease that is caused by a pathogen and transmitted through the air. These pathogens can be spread by coughing, sneezing, stirring dust, liquid spraying, or generally any activity that generate aerosol particles or droplets. These pathogens can include viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Some common examples of pathogens that are spread via air-borne transmission are rhinovirus, hantavirus, adenovirus, and influenza, among many others (cdc.gov).
Food-borne transmission refers to any illness that results due to the consumption of contaminated food, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites that contaminate food, as well as chemical or natural toxins such as poisonous mushrooms (cdc.gov). Bacteria is the most often the pathogen that causes food-borne illness. This is usually due to improper handling of foods, improper preparation of food and improper food storage. According to the CDC, the top 5 contributing pathogens to food-borne illness are Norovirus, non-typhoidal Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter spp. and Staphylococcus aureus.
Water-borne transmission refers to diseases that are acquired via usually contaminated freshwater. Infection occurs during bathing, swimming, drinking, preparing of food, or in the consumption of food that has been infected with a water-borne pathogen. Most of water-borne pathogens are protozoa, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Common examples of water-borne pathogens are Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, Campylobacter jejuni, Vibrio cholerae, and Legionella pneumophila, along with man...
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...ted living facility, the patients were older and more susceptible to illness.
Prevention of this virus would have been simple. There is a vaccine for Hepatitis B,however it wasn't used routinely until the 1980's , so many of these elderly may not have received it. In addition to this, there are ways to avoid transmission of Hepatitis B in this fashion (assisted monitoring of blood glucose). The personnel could have simply followed the rules and regulations set forth by the CDC for preventing transmission of blood-born pathogens. Outbreaks like this are less likely to occur in places like nursing homes because they are subject to federal regulations where these assisted living facilities are not. Federal regulation may help to prevent outbreaks like this also. Proper training of personnel in the area of blood-born pathogen transmission should be a requirement.
The main objectives of the pathogen are to gain entry inside the host, once inside grow and reproduce, and avoid host defenses. There are three possible routes of infection: respiratory, alimentary, and traumatic. The respiratory route is the easiest and most direct means of entry. Under crowded conditions, the rate of infection is even more rapid. The diseases brought over to America were mainly spread by the respiratory method. The alimentary pathway of infection is through the ingestion of contaminated food and water. Throughout Europe during the 15th century, food and water were contaminated with fecal matter and by unsanitary habits ( i.e. the lack of bathing). The traumatic route of infection is through insect and animal bites.
There are some simple blood tests (secondary prevention) such as Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, and (HBSAG), and Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBSAB) to find out if you have been infected. There is a safe and effective vaccine such as vaccine interferon alpha, recommended for newborns, infants, and teens, provides immunity for at least five years. In addition to vaccination (primary prevention), there are other simple ways to stop the spread of Hepatitis B. These are a few examples: first avoid direct contact with blood and bodily fluids, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after any potential exposure to blood. You also need to discard soiled items carefully into bags, avoid sharing items such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and earrings or body rings. In my opinion the most important prevention is to practice safe sex, and making sure new or sterile...
Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. It is a gram-negative, aerobic (oxygen requiring), rod-shaped bacterium that can infect humans, birds, reptiles, and other animals. It results in the swelling of the lining of the stomach and intestines. Salmonella food poisoning occurs worldwide, however it is most frequently reported in North America and Europe. In the United States, Salmonella is responsible for about 15% of all cases of food poisoning (Salmonella food poisoning).
Valley fever is transmitted when bacteria in the soil become airborne and are inhaled. California residents must understand the harmful effects of air pollution and make better choices when using energy or transportation. The drought conditions are worsening, but communities and individuals can work together to help improve the air quality. References California drought and air quality Santa Barbara County air pollution control district. (2015).
Pathogens are a type of microorganism that spreads viral and bacterial diseases. These diseases when present in human blood and body fluids are known as blood borne pathogens, and can spread from one person to another. (Worcester polytechnic institute) The most serious types of blood borne diseases are the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can cause liver damage; and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which is responsible for causing AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The blood borne pathogens can be spread when the blood or body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and amniotic fluid) of an infected individual comes into contact with mucous membranes or an open sore or cut on the skin of another person. Mucus membranes are located in the eyes, nose, mouth, and other areas as well. ("Bloodborne pathogens: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia") Two of the most common ways that pathogens are transmitted is through the exchange of fluids during sexual intercourse or by sharing infected IV needles. (Worcester polytechnic institute)
Hepatitis B is a DNA viral infection that causes damage and inflammation to the liver. It was first discovered in 1965 by Dr. Baruch Blumberg. The HBV virus is very contagious and is even thought to be the most serious form of viral hepatitis and the most common viral infection on Earth. “HBV is 100 times more infectious than HIV.” (Green, 2002, pg. 7) The virus can survive for about one week outside the body on a dry surface. According to Green (2002, pg. 7), “One in twenty Americans has been infected with the virus at some point in their lives.” Between the ages of 15-39 is when 75% of new HBV infections occur, according to Green (2002, pg.8).
The influenza virus is most commonly spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. The virus can also be spread by touching an object that was recently contaminated. Then accidently touching their mouth or
The influenza virus is transmitted from human to human mainly by droplet, although there are cases of animal to human transmission. The incubation amount is approximately 3 days, although nasal shedding can peak about 24-48 hours once onset of symptoms. Viral shedding starts at intervals 24 hours before the onset of symptoms and continues for up to five days in healthy adults and a number of weeks in immunocompromised patients (Duncan, 2013). It has been shown that both influenza A and influenza B viruses can survive for 24-48 hours on nonporous surfaces like chrome steel. They can survive for 8-12 hours on products like tissues. Prevention should focus on: hand-washing, avoidance of touching eyes and different mucous membranes, cleaning commonly used surfaces, and by covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (Duncan, 2013).
Viruses can be transmitted in many ways. Being in contact with an infected person will most likely transfer the virus. One can also obtain the virus through swallowing, inhaling, and unsafe sex. Poor hygiene and eating habits usually increase the risk of catching a viral infection. Contracting a viral infection is followed by adverse s...
What is Foodborne Illness? According to a medical dictionary, foodborne illness is an acute gastrointestinal infection caused by consuming food contaminated with pathogenic, bacteria, toxins, viruses, prions or parasites. Such contamination was caused by improper food handling, preparation or storage of food. Contacts between food and pests, especially flies, cockroaches and rodents are a further cause of contamination of food. Foodborne illness can also be caused by adding pesticides or medicine to food or consuming or by accidentally consuming naturally poisonous substances. That is why foodborne illness can also be called food poisoning.
Type of infection of the common cold is Endogenous and Exogenous. Common cold reservoir is upper respiratory tract. Portal of entry your mouth and nose. Portal of exit is also mouth and nose. Means of transmission is contaminated objects.Ease of transmission is air, direct contact and fomites. This virus can live on surfaces for many days.The ability to make you sick over time decreases.
Food borne illnesses are caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. There are many different disease-causing microbes, or pathogens. In addition, poisonous chemicals, or other harmful substances can cause food borne illnesses if they are present in food. More than two hundred and fifty different food borne illnesses have been described; almost all of these illnesses are infections. They are caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be food borne. (Center 1)
The way germs can be spreaded are from one person to another person or indirectly when an infected person comes into contact with an object in the environment and then another person comes into contact with this contaminated object.
In this experiment, I learned direct and indirect transmission of microorganisms. Direct transmission occurs when physical contact between an infected person and non-infected person. This transmission can occur with a hug, a handshake or a kiss to an infected person. Indirect transmission occurs when there is no direct person to person contact. We can receive this transmission through contact with a contaminated surface, object or vector, such as a sneeze, a cough or just touching a contaminated object, like a door knob.
The common causes of food poisoning are bacteria and viruses. Depending on the bacteria or viruses that contaminate ...