LAB 4 : SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION AND INFECTION by NUR DIANA BT ABDUL JALIL (114120)


INTRODUCTION
Airborne microorganisms are usually carried on dust particles, although some (fungal spores, for example) may be carried directly by air currents. It is important for microbiologists to be aware of the potential for contamination by airborne microorganisms. Carefully observation of simple precautions dramatically reduces the risk of contamination of the cultures.
Every human is colonized by billions of microorganisms. These microorganisms, some of ehich are vital to our wellbeing, constitute our resident or normal microflora. Resident microoorganisms are nourished by the chemicals and moisture excreted by the human bod for example in moist areas such as the armpit and on the drier skin of the forearm.
Resident microoorganisms are either nonpathogenic or are prevented from infecting the body by an array of mechanical and chemical defences. Some resident microbes are, however, opportunistic pathogens which may cause infection if the body’s defences are breached-for example, if the skin is broken.
Transient microorganisms are picked up from our environment-for example from faecal contact or from soil and usually fail to become permanent skin residents. One of the most important reasons for failure to gain permanence is that the established residents are better able to compete for nutrients. Since transients generally originate in other environments, they are poorly adapted to conditons on the skin and usually dissapear within 24 hours of arrival.
Microorganisms in the upper respiratory tract are either normal residents or transients. As with the skin, the normal microflora largely consists of nonpathogens or opportunistic pathogens.
Large numbers of transcients enter the upper respiratory tract as we breath or eat. The may also come from our own hands or from improper sanitation during food preparation. Regardless of their origin, most transients are nonpathogenic and are quickly killed by various defences arrayed against them.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the microorganisms in the air and from healthy humans.

RESULT

Air :

Hands :

Ear :

Normal breathing :

Violent coughing :


DISCUSSION
Airborne droplet nuclei generated during coughing or sneezing are a potential source of transmission of infection either by direct inhalation or indirectly through contaminated medical devices. Droplets generated from infected respiratory tracts can remain airborne for long periods of time and transmit infections like tuberculosis, respiratory viral illnesses and antibiotic-resistant hospital bacteria.
Airborne contamination is mainly derived from the personnel in the operation theatre and their activities. The bacterial count in operation theatre is influenced by the number of individuals present, ventilation and air flow.  
Ear wax is composed mostly of dead skin cells and keratin with a small mixture of cerumen, sweat, and oil. Cerumen is secreted from the ceruminous glands located in the first third outer part of the ear canal and is thought to be composed mainly of cholesterol, squalene, wax esters, ceramides, and triglycerides. 
The cerumen also has antimicrobial properties which can be attributed to its slight acidic pH of 5 and the presence of lysozyme. In normal circumstances, the ear wax is continuously pushed out of the ear canal 
by the slow migration of the top layer of skin cells from the tympanic membrane towards the outer ear. The ear wax traps any foreign particles and organisms on its way out.

Frequent coughing usually indicates the presence of a disease. Many viruses and bacteria benefit evolutionarily by causing the host to cough, which helps to spread the disease to new hosts. Most of the time, coughing is caused by a respiratory tract infection but can be triggered by choking, smoking, air pollution, asthma,gastroesophageal reflux disease, post-nasal drip, chronic bronchitis, lung tumors, heart failure and medications such as ACE inhibitors. A cough can be the result of arespiratory tract infection such as the common cold,pneumonia, pertussis, or tuberculosis. Infections in the breathing tubes can be caused by both bacteria and viruses, although the most common cause in children is a virus.

A normal breathing rate is approximately 12 to 20 respirations per minute while at rest. This means that the person will breathe in and out 12 to 20 times during a 60 second period. When counting, make sure to count a breath in and out as one breath to avoid doubling the respiratory number. It is helpful to count a breathing rate when the person is relaxed and is unaware that you are watching her breathing pattern because most people will begin to focus on breathing and disrupt the natural flow if they know that someone is counting the breaths per minute. Normal breathing is typically quiet without wheezes, coughing, bubbling sounds, or other noises. Breath odor is the scent of the air you breathe out of your mouth. Unpleasant, distinctive, or offensive breath odor is commonly called bad breath. Some disorders will produce specific, characteristic odors to the breath. Bad breath related to poor oral hygiene is most common and caused by release of sulphur compounds by bacteria in the mouth.


Conclusion
Contamination is the presence of a minor and unwanted constituent (contaminant) in material, physical body, natural environment. Poor biological air quality may be connected with some non-biological aspects. As we know, there are many microorganism that are colonized in the free air and also in human body. The exposed of the molten agar to the air and healthy humans cause contamination. 


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