Emerging infections
The incidence of an infection varies with changes in pathogen virulence and in the immunity of the host population. Many infectious diseases have a characteristic pattern. For example, meningococcal infection…
Infection in the hospital environment
Infection is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in patients admitted to hospital. The most frequent types of infection are urinary tract, respiratory, wound, skin and soft-tissue infections, and…
Principles of infection control
Identifying an Outbreak An outbreak, whether in a hospital or the community, must first be recognized by clinical awareness and effective laboratory diagnosis; data must be managed centrally, a process…
Sources and transmission of infection
Sources of Infection Infection is caused either by organisms from the host’s normal flora (endogenous infection) or by organisms transmitted from another source (exogenous infection). Endogenous Infection The normal flora…
The laboratory investigation of infection
Specimens Any tissue or body fluid can be subjected to microbiological investigation with the aim of identifying the infecting pathogen and predicting response to therapy. To optimize the diagnostic benefit…
Resistance to antibacterial agents
Resistance occurs when a previously susceptible organism is no longer inhibited by an antibiotic at a concentration that can be safely achieved in clinical practice. Resistance can develop quickly because:…
Pathogenicity and pathogenesis of infectious disease
Definitions Humans encounter bacteria, viruses and parasites that do not cause disease. An infection occurs when microorganisms cause ill-health. Term Definition Pathogen An organism capable of causing disease Commensal An…
1: Concepts
Bacterial classification is important, revealing the identity of an organism so that its behaviour and likely response to treatment can be predicted. Bacterial Structural Components Bacterial cell walls are rigid…
Innate immunity and normal flora
The innate immune system, which consists of the normal flora, physical barriers such as the skin, antibacterial proteins and phagocytic cells, is an important defence mechanism against infection. Many responses…
Antibiotics in clinical use
Beta-Lactam Antibiotics Penicillins work by inhibiting peptidoglycan cross-linkage. Modifications to the penicillins have extended their antibacterial spectrum and improved absorption. Penicillins now include: natural penicillins (e.g. benzylpenicillin, penicillin V); penicillinase-resistant…
