MicroJournal #13 - Dictionary

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - an autoimmune disease that results in a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks flexible (synovial) joints. It can be a disabling and painful condition, which can lead to substantial loss of functioning and mobility if not adequately treated.



Glomerulonephritis - Also known as glomerular nephritis (GN), occurs when immune complexes circulating in the bloodstream are deposited in the walls of the glomeruli, the minute blood vessels of the kidneys. Damage to the vessels can result in kidney failure as the glomeruli lose their ability to filter waste.



Asthma - a chronic hypersensitivity disorder affecting the lungs and characterized by constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchi and excessive production of thick, sticky mucus. 



Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a disorder in which the individual produces autoantibodies against numerous antigens, including nucleic acids, resulting in a red rash, hemolytic anemia, bleeding disorders, and muscle inflammation.




DiGeorge anomaly results from a failure of the thymus to develop; thus, there are no T cells, and children generally die of viral infections.

MicroJournal Entry #12 - Reflection

We are two weeks away from the end of this semester and I have learnt a a lot of new and interesting things in my Microbiology class this semester. Microbiology was sometimes challenging, but because we were being taught such interesting information, I was always eager to attend classes. It was obvious that Dr. Villanueva has a passion for this subject, and as her student, I adopted this passion also.

Microbiology was not just about bacteria and other microbes, like I expected it to be. It was so much more. I learnt about DNA replication, diseases, immunity, and many other topics. After the semester ends, I know I will never consider a box of milk as just plain milk, I will choose to wash my hands as long as there is water and soap, often instead of using hand sanitizers and I will always appreciate my normal microbiota.

My small group project researched the types and amount of bacteria found in showers and we discovered that there are many bacteria in showers! This was expected because as we bathe, some of the normal flora on our skins get washed off.

The contents of this course will be applied to my daily life and to my career in the medical field. I enjoyed being a Microbiology student this semester.

MicroJournal Entry #11 - Dictionary

Phagocytosis - the cellular process of engulfing solid particles or microbes, by the cell membrane to form an internal phagosome, which is broken down and killed.

Innate Immunity - the body's ability to protect itself from pathogens, in general, and prevent diseases.

Adaptive Immunity - the body’s ability to recognize and then mount a defense against distinct invaders and their products.

Naturally Acquired Active Immunity - occurs when the body responds to exposure to antigens by mounting specific immune responses.

Naturally Acquired Passive Immunity - occurs when a fetus, a new born, or child receives across the placenta or through breast milk.

Artificially Acquired Active Immunity - occurs when the body receives antigens by injection, as with vaccines, and mounts a specific immune response.

Artificially Acquires Passive Immunotherapy - occurs when the body receives, via  injection, performed antibodies in antitoxins or antisera, which can destroy fast-acting and potentially fatal pathogens such as rabies virus.

MIcroJournal Entry #10 - Investigations

My chosen article for this week is about an Oklahoma dentist who has been using dirty instruments in his practice. Oklahoma state and county heath inspectors became suspicious of Dr. Harrington's practice when a low risk patient tested positive for HIV and Hepatitis C and the patient had a dental procedure around the time of exposure. Upon investigation it was discovered that there were "major violations" of the Oklahoma Dental Act and Mr. Harrington's practice was using dirty instruments to perform procedures. The violations include reusing needles, administering drugs without a license, and using rusty instruments.

Officials are now sending letters to 7,000 people who are past patients of Dr. Harrington, urging them to get tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

This underlying problem of this article related to microbiology. The dentist failed to sterilize his instruments and so microbes were transferred from patient to patient. I believe the story is sad, but also interesting. It is sad to know that in today's world, where we have access to the tools necessary to prevent cases such as these, there are still reports of persons who do not use the resources available. The interesting thing about the story is how easy it is to infect others if the correct precautions are not taken. I believe the source is reliable.

"Thousands of Oklahoma patients urged to get tested for HIV, hepatitis after investigation shows dirty instruments in use | Fox News." Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos & News Videos. Fox News, 29 Mar. 2013. Web. 5 Apr. 2013. <http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/03/29/thousands-oklahoma-dental-patients-urged-to-get-tested-for-hiv/>.

MicroJournal Entry #9 - Dictionary

Antisepsis - reduction in the number of micro-organisms and viruses, particularly potential pathogens on living tissue.

Example: Alcohol

Degerming - removal of microbes by mechanical means.

Example: Hand washing

Disinfection - destruction of most microrganisms and viruses on nonliving tissue.

Example: Phenolics - Lysol

Sanitization - removal of pathogens from objects to meet public health standards.

Example: Dishwashing with hot water.

MicroJournal Entry #8 - investigations

I was talking to one of my classmate who was explaining to me about her previous experience with fungal infection and so I decided to do my research on how to prevent fungal infection. The way she described her experience make me want to avoid getting in contact with it!

Step 1:Prevent the spread of athletes foot. Athletes foot is also known as "tinea". It is probably the most commonly known fungal infection and the one most likely to bother you at some point in your life. Signs of athletes foot include: whitened skin, skin cracks and peels easily, itchiness may be present, there may be an unpleasant odor and in severe cases, it can burn and sting.

• Wear footwear such as flip flops or Crocs™ when using public bathing facilities (showers, saunas, etc.) and when walking around public pool areas.
• When wearing shoes again make sure that it is dry
• Do not urinate when in the shower or bath. This can weaken the skin's resistance to fungal infections.
• If you already have athletes foot, wash thoroughly, dry well but don't rub too hard. Try to give your feet "air time" without socks and shoes during the day. Wash socks daily and wear different shoes on alternate days. 

Step 2:Prevent nail or skin infections like ringworm. Ringworm isn't actually a worm although the name causes many people to assume such––it is simply a round rash that forms on the skin that has a scaly edge (perhaps a little like the edge of a worm) and a clear center. Ringworm can appear on your arms, legs, face, scalp, stomach and back.

Keep your pets clean, regularly wormed and de-flea-ed and washed. Ringworm infection is often transferred from cats and dogs. If you think your pets might be infected, take them to the vet for a check-up.

Don't scratch fungal infections––this will often spread the infection across your skin.

Step 3: Prevent scalp infections. As already noted, it is possible to have ringworm on the scalp. Scalp infections tend to be more common in children than in adults.

• Avoid or control dandruff. Dandruff flakes can very easily be passed from one person to another.
• Avoid sharing hair brushes, pillows, hair clips and other hair accessories used by others.
• Ensure that pillow cases and sheets are washed at least once in two weeks (this is also important for killing dust mites and bacteria from your skin and mouth). Regular washing of the pillow cases and sheets will help you maintain clear and healthy looking skin––the build-up of germs you lie on aren't doing your skin any favors.

Step 4:Don't share clothing. Any type of fungal infection can be spread through sharing clothing

 with an infected person (or from you if you're infected). This means declining offers to wear someone else's hat, shoes, t-shirt, etc. and not offering to share your clothing when you're experiencing a current infection. If you do need to share clothing (after all, something borrowed, something blue will inevitably come up for some of you), make sure it is cleaned properly or dry-cleaned before sharing.
http://m.wikihow.com/Prevent-the-Spread-of-Fungal-Infections

MicroJournal Entry #7 - Investigations

This article speaks about a recent case in which a baby is allegedly cured of HIV. The baby was born prematurely in rural Mississippi in fall 2010 was given a three drug regimen 30 hours after birth. This treatment was aimed at treatment and not prophylaxis. While under treatment for eighteen months the baby's virus levels remained undetectable. The mother then stopped giving the child medicine and stopped going to the hospital for check ups. When both mother and child visited the hospital five months later, there was no trace of the virus in the baby's tests. Fearing laboratory errors, the tests were done again and no viable virus was found anywhere, not even reservoirs of the body.

I believe this article is from a reliable source. It is written by authors with experience in the field of science. I am excited at the possible cure looming on the horizon. It would be great if this is an actual cure for the HIV virus and lives could be saved. 

Citation:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/04/health/for-first-time-baby-cured-of-hiv-doctors-say.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Pollack, A., & Jr., D. M. (2013, March 3). Baby With H.I.V. Is Reported Cured - NYTimes.com. The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. Retrieved March 8, 2013, from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/04/health/for-first-time-baby-cured-of-hiv-doctors-say.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0