Chapter 14, Problem 60E.4RQ

a.

Summary Introduction

To explain: To identify the organism based on the observation.

Introduction: A 35-year-old female underwent abdominal surgery that involves bowel resection. Following the surgery, she was maintained on a course of intravenous (IV) broad-spectrum antibiotics. She had a fever after three days of the surgery and she also complains of vaginal discomfort. The blood cultures showed the presence of an ovoid cell that reproduces by budding.

b.

Summary Introduction

To explain: whether the identified organism is a part of normal flora in humans.

Introduction: Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen. It is the most common fungal species that causes human diseases. It is responsible for causing candidiasis in humans. It causes three types of candidiasis, namely oropharyngeal candidiasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and invasive candidiasis.

c.

Summary Introduction

To explain: The way in which the treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics predisposes the patient to infection with the organism identified.

Introduction: Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by microorganisms that act against other microorganisms. They are used to treat bacterial infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are those that act against a large number of disease-causing bacteria.

d.

Summary Introduction

To compare: The effectiveness of hand washing with water, soap, and surgical scrubbing.

Introduction: Human hands come in contact with various objects and surfaces that are contaminated with a wide variety of microbes. Inadequate hand washing is a major transmission vehicle of diseases and infections.