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

MicroJournal Entry #6 - Reflection

Today marks the completion of two months of Microbiology class. Over the past two months I have learnt useful information about microbes, their eating habits, metabolism, cell composition, and much more. I am learning a lot about the different ways of differentiating microbes such as using selective, differential and enrichment media. These techniques used by medical professionals everyday, as they encounter different illnesses in patients. 

I know this class and the information I've learnt from it, will be useful to me in my future career. For the immediate future, this class will be very useful when I begin my nursing program next semester. The experience gained here will help me as I do my clinicals and in the classrooms. What is taught in class does not conflict with any other classes I have taken but now I have a better understanding of diseases and what makes them affect us the way they do. It was also interesting to learn that antibiotics are most effective against microbes in the lag stage. 

I tend to sit in the front row during classes because I am a visual learner but I am open to all learning styles. Sitting up front prevents me from becoming too distracted in class. Labs also give me the hands-on approach and cements the information in my mind. One thing which is still somewhat confusing, though, is the protein synthesis process. I sometimes get the stages mixed. If there were a way to see bacteria undergoing protein synthesis, that would clarify the process for me. I no longer think of bacteria as a simple organism. I now understand they are unique and have special traits which differentiate them. As mentioned in my previous post, this class has positively impacted my life, especially since the experience my relative had.

MicroJournal Entry #5 - Encounter

During January 2013 I had my very first encounter with Staphylocococcus aureus. At the time I did not even know about this bacteria or what it did. Within the next two weeks I became very informed about the bacteria. I learnt what it looked like under a microscope, that it is a Gram-positive bacterium, the infections caused by it, how it is transmitted and how to prevent suffering from it.

My encounter occurred at home with a relative.

January 15, 2013
A small bump on upper thigh was noticed when it started itching. It gradually began to feel sore.

January 16, 2013
Bump was inflamed, painful and made buttocks swollen. Felt very warm when touched. The patient was also feeling very drowsy, weak and out of sorts. She was also running a 102 degrees Fahrenheit fever.

January 17, 2013
The feelings from the previous day got worse. The once small bump was now a wide hard area.

January 18, 2013
Fever and chills went away and the swelling continued. It was now too painful to do any of her daily chores and activities properly.

January 19, 2013
Symptoms got worse. The fever returned. Patient was unable to bear the pain anymore, so she decided to go to the hospital. She was attended to by several nurses and one doctor. The doctor gave her a numbing injection then squeezed the inflamed area. A lot of pus was found in the area. The female was admitted with a suspicion for cellulitis.

January 27 - 30, 2013
Patient was treated intravenously with antibiotics, to fight the infection; pain killers, to relieve the intense pain, and fluids, to eliminate the fever. The wound was allowed to drain gradually and dressed regularly. The puss was again tested.
The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus was found in the pus taken from the wound.

January 30, 2013
Patient was discharged from the hospital with prescribed antibiotics, pain killers and antiemetics.

She had to take sick leave from work for two weeks to allow her wound to heal, since she could not sit or walk properly because of where it was located.

This encounter has made me very aware of my surroundings and somewhat terrified of touching surfaces. I have always known bacteria were real and could cause very serious illnesses, but seeing the effects happen in my personal space has made me even more aware. Coincidentally, this encountered occurred at the same time I was learning about Staphylococcus aureus in my microbiology class.

I could not have asked for a more practical application to my studies. Even though I am very saddened by the pain and agony my relative suffered, I am happy to see first hand the effects of Staphylococcus aureus. This knowledge will be applied to my medical career and to my microbiology class.

MicroJournal Entry #4 - Dictionary

Classification of microbes based on:

• Carbon and Energy Source

Photoautotroph - organisms which use carbon dioxide as a carbon source and light energy from the environment to make their own food. Example: plants and algae.

Chemoautotroph - organisms which use carbon dioxide as a carbon source but catabolize organic molecules for energy. Example: Rhizobium

Photoheterotroph - are photosynthetic organisms that acquire energy from light and acquire nutrients via catabolism of organic compounds. Example: Heliobacteria

Chemoheterotroph - organisms which use organic compounds for both energy and carbon. Example: Salmonella

• Temperature Requirements

Psychrophiles - microbes which require temperatures below 20°C for optimum growth. Example: Anthrobacter sp.

Mesophiles - microbes which grow best at temperatures ranging between about 20°C and 40°C. Example: Staphylococcus aureus

Thermophiles - microbes which require temperatures above 45°C for maximum growth. Example: Rhizomucor pusillus

Hyperthermophiles - microbes that require temperatures above 80°C for optimum growth. Example: Aquifex aeolicus

MicroJournal Entry #3 - Encounter

While visiting a close family friend, over the Christmas break, I noticed that all four of her children were sneezing and showed signs of stuffiness. The parents, Mike* and Angie* were not suffering like their kids. This made me very curious and so I asked Angie how come all the children were stuffy and sneezing but she and Mike weren't. Angie was not 100% sure, but she believed her kids got something from a friend at school. In my mind I wondered, "why haven't you or Mike caught it from them?"

My curiosity continued to grow and I could not figure out the exact reason behind this mystery. In Microbiology class this semester, I have learnt about microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria. A virus, orthomyxoviridae, causes influenza in humans. The virus is easily spread from one person to another. This may be the virus the children mentioned above had. Angie and Mike must have been immune to it because of antibodies in their systems. As I continue to learn, I will understand how antibodies work to fight off infections. For now, I'm very happy to have learnt such valuable information and look forward to that which is ahead.

Everyday we are exposed to microorganisms but we don't always know it. They are far too small to be visible to our human eyes. Some are helpful to us, others are not.

(*Names changed to protect the privacy of my friends.)

MicroJournal Entry #2 - Dictionary

Protozoa
Single-celled eukaryotes that are similar to animals in their nutritional needs and cellular structures. They are usually found in water.

Glycocalyx
Sticky external layer of polysaccarides, polypeptides or both, which surrounds some cells. There are two types - slime layer and capsule

Fimbriae
Extensions of some bacterial cells that function along with glycocalyces to adhere cells to each other and to environmental surfaces.

Hypertonic Solutions
These are solutions with a higher concentration of solutes than water. Cells in them become shriveled.

Hypotonic Solutions
These are the opposite of hypertonic solutions. They contain a higher concentration of water molecules than solutes. Cells suspended in them will expand and eventually burst.

Food for Thought

"To will is a great thing dear sisters for Action and Work usually follow Will, and almost always Work is accompanied by Success. These three things, Work, Will and Success, fill human existence. Will opens the door to success both brilliant and happy; Work passes through these doors, and at the end of the journey Success comes down to crown one's efforts". - Louis Pasteur

MicroJournal Entry #1 - Reflection

In the past week, I have learnt about the history of microbiology and the chemistry associated with it. I was intrigued by many things. Microbiology is very important for my intended career, Medical Science, and I am glad to have the opportunity to study it. Even though the semester has just begun, I can already see how useful this science is.

Microbiology is defined as the study of living organisms at the microscopic level. A pioneer of Microbiology was Antonio van Leeuwenhoek. Leeuwenhoek was born in the year 1632 in Delft, Netherlands. One of the most important things I have learnt so far is that Leeuwenhoek invented the first microscope to satisfy his curiosity of what things looked like under magnifying glass. This is very important to me because the world owes all we now know about bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microscopic organisms to him and his obsession with the question "What does it really look like?".

The second most important thing I learnt about was how wine is fermented. As a wine lover, I am fascinated to know that anaerobic bacteria ferment grape juice into acids and yeast cells ferment it to produce alcohol! I will never look at yeast the same way again.

I have not encountered anything that is confusing to me yet. I look forward to learning much more as the semester progresses.