Ubiquitous Pseudomonas Pathogens - Essay Example

The problems associated with this type of transient bacteria include infections such as Pseudomonas infections, especially those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacteria also cause infections of the blood, pneumonia, and post-surgery infections, which may cause death. In addition, mild infections occur, especially after exposure to water, such as infections of the ear and the eye in children, and skin rashes. These infections occur after exposure to water, which is inadequately chlorinated (CDC, 2013).

The methods that are used to effectively remove this type of transient bacteria from hands include effective hand washing using soap and water because they act as emulsifying agents that dissolve grease and oils on the hands to remove transient bacteria. One should also dry hands after washing them with proper towels. Alternatively, alcohol-based instant hand sanitizers may be used after hand washing. Antiseptic lotions or creams soaps can be used when cleaning hands. Antiseptic soaps or detergents remove surface bacteria and may have a residual effect while instant hand sanitizers do not have a residual effect (Marriott & Gravani, 2006).

Aseptic hand wash and hand sanitizers can be used to prevent the spread of transient bacteria. The aseptic hand wash method involves the use of antiseptic soap and special techniques to cleanse the hands and forearms aseptically. It reduces the bioload of bacteria on the skin surface to prevent transmission to the patient (Mulder, 1999). Hand sanitizers are made of chemicals such as alcohol. These chemicals kill pathogens, thus preventing disease transmission. Some of the diseases that are caused by bacteria include Acne, Pneumonia, Whooping Cough, and Tuberculosis.

Viruses cause mumps, AIDS, and yellow fever while parasites cause diseases like amebiasis. Fungi cause candidemia while protozoa amebiasis. Among these diseases, AIDS can be detected with approved CLIA-waved testing (Parmet, 2009). Antibodies are proteins that are found in the immune system. They identify and fight to neutralize foreign objects in the body such as bacteria. Vaccination is important because it fights infectious diseases and eliminates or eradicates some diseases like diphtheria.

The protective equipment that one should use to prevent disease transmission includes gloves, which should be worn every time a health worker handles a patient, and changed when handling another patient. Healthcare providers can also use face masks and face shields (Larson & Liverman, 2011). The different methods of controlling the growth of microorganisms include refrigeration, sterilization using steam, and boiling or exposure to very high temperatures (Larson & Liverman, 2011). Maintaining dryness also denies microorganisms a moist environment, making them inactive.

There are health standards regarding the prevention of disease transmission such as the OSHA’s blood-borne pathogen standards. They include proper maintenance of records on employee training and medical evaluations, safe handling of sharps, specimens, contaminated laundry, and regulated waste (Acello & Goodner, 2002). Exposure to blood and other infectious materials such as amniotic fluid is among the situations that require a post-exposure follow-up (Kuehl, 2002). Healthcare workers should always use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Also, prompt and frequent hand washing, and wearing of gowns, shoes, and leg coverings reduce chances of disease transmission (Goodman & Spry, 2013). Health workers should also practice respiratory hygiene as the standard precautions that can be applied with regard to all body fluids secretions and excretions which include blood, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes (Lindh, 2010).