Microbiology Discussion

1.  Throughout history, humans have battled outbreaks of disease; many lost their lives to diseases before treatments and cures were discovered. Modern science and medicine have become efficient in developing vaccines and medications to control and treat the outbreaks, but whether or not the diseases will ever truly be eradicated is in question. Considering how many of these infectious diseases exist and how easily they spread, it is important to remember safety issues to reduce and prevent transmission.

For your initial post, research a specific infectious outbreak in history and share your finding with your classmates. Be sure to include the following information in your initial post (one paragraph):

• Disease name
• Infectious agent (is the disease bacterial, viral, fungal?)
• Mode of transmission
• Signs and symptoms of the disease
• Treatment (or treatments) available
• Try not to duplicate another classmate’s topic.

After considering all of your research, explain the impact of infection rates in health care environments and who or what you think is the culprit.

For your reply post, expand on your peer’s ideas by sharing examples from your own experience or readings, suggesting outside resources to support the topic, and/or asking questions to dig deeper into the topic.

2.    Handwashing and the use of antimicrobial chemicals (such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers) are effective ways to prevent the spread of microorganisms, particularly in the health care setting.

For your initial post, imagine that you are an infection control nurse tasked with educating personnel on a large medical/surgical unit that has recently seen an increase in hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in their patients. Describe how you would educate personnel about the importance of handwashing and increase handwashing compliance amongst the staff?

For your reply post, expand on your peer’s ideas by sharing examples from your own experience or readings, suggesting outside resources to support the topic, and/or asking questions to dig deeper into the topic.