Causes and spread of infection

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
J/616/3052
Credits:
2
Guided learning hours:
20 hours

Aim

SFH052- This unit is to enable the learner to understand the causes of infection and common illnesses that may result as a consequence. To understand the difference between both infection and colonisation and pathogenic and nonpathogenic organisms, the areas of infection and the types caused by different organisms. In addition the learner will understand the methods of transmission, the conditions needed for organisms to grow, the ways infection enters the body and key factors that may lead to infection occurring.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand the causes of infection.

Learners must be able to define the causes of infection and identify the differences between them including:

  • Bacterial
  • Viral
  • Fungal and
  • Parasitical infection

They must identify a range of illnesses and infections caused by these types of infection for example:

  • Bacteria – pneumonia, meningitis, food poisoning
  • Virus – common cold, chicken pox, shingles, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Fungi – ringworm, fungal eye infection, athlete’s foot
  • Parasites – malaria, scabies, head lice

They should know what the following terms mean:

  • Infection – an invasion and multiplication of micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites that are not normally present in the body.
  • Colonisation – the development of a bacterial infection without causing a disease inside the person
  • Systemic infection – affects the entire body rather than one single organ or body part
  • Localised infection – only affects one body part or organ rather than the whole body.

Poor practices: soiled linen and clinical waste should be covered for 1.5 and 1.6.

Learners should be able to give examples of how they can avoid poor practices in their own professional practice, for example:

  • changing linen when it is soiled
  • disposing of clinical waste appropriately
  • ensuring good handwashing techniques
  • ensuring clean work areas when changing dressings
  • wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Identify the differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

  • 1.2

    Identify common illnesses and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

  • 1.3

    Describe what is meant by infection and colonisation.

  • 1.4

    Explain what is meant by systemic infection and localised infection.

  • 1.5

    Identify poor practices that may lead to the spread of infection.

  • 1.6

    Identify how an understanding of poor practices, can be applied to own professional practice.

2

Understand the transmission of infection.

Learners must be able to explain what the conditions are needed for the growth of micro-organisms, for example:

  • warm temperature
  • moisture
  • environmental PH
  • environmental oxygen.

They should be able to explain the ways an infective agent might enter the body, for example through:

  • eyes
  • nose
  • mouth
  • open wounds and bites

The learner should be able to identify common sources of infections such as:

  • food
  • water
  • poor hygiene
  • animals
  • sick people.

They should be able to explain how infective agents can be transmitted to a person, for example through:

  • droplet contact
  • direct contact
  • sexual contact
  • indirect contact

They should be able to identify the key factors that will make it more likely that infection will occur for example:

  • an individual’s immune system being low
  • an individual not being immunized
  • the misuse of PPE
  • contaminated areas and equipment.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Explain the conditions needed for the growth of micro-organisms.

  • 2.2

    Explain the ways an infective agent might enter the body.

  • 2.3

    Identify common sources of infection.

  • 2.4

    Explain how infective agents can be transmitted to a person.

  • 2.5

    Identify the key factors that will make it more likely that infection will occur.

  • 2.6

    Discuss the role of a national public health body in communicable disease outbreaks.