Concept explainers
Videos
Why should cardiac nurses and respiratory therapists care about biofilms?
To tell:
The reason why the respiratory therapists and cardiac nurses care about the biofilms.
Introduction:
Biofilm is the key residence of microbes in nature. Certain molecules that are secreted by the bacteria can be detected by other bacteria. Biofilms are formed by the adhesion of bacterial community to various surfaces, like the human body, metals, and soil particles. The bacterial cell is surrounded by a gelatinous layer known as a capsule. It is irregular in nature. These structures are useful for the bacteria for their attachment to the surfaces. The dental plaque in human is an example of biofilm.
The microbial cells within the biofilm matrix yield the components of extracellular polysaccharide substances, in short EPS. The EPS consist of proteins, polysaccharides, and deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA).
Explanation of Solution
The dental plaque is an example of biofilm formation. This can cause bacterial infections like septicemia, which harm the cardiovascular system. If the medical equipments are not sterilized properly, the biofilm remains alive on them. Unsterilized pacemakers can result in recurring infections. Unclean nebulizers and oxygen supplies may harbor biofilms, which lead to infections (cystic fibrosis) in the respiratory tracts. Generally, the patients have a suppressed immune system. Therefore, they are easily susceptible to infections. Hence, the respiratory therapists and cardiac nurses should care about the biofilms.
The respiratory therapists and cardiac nurses should care about the biofilms to safeguard the patients from infections.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 6 Solutions
Microbiology with Diseases by Body System (5th Edition)
- Diseases that involve biofilm-producing bacteria are of serious concern. They are not as easily treated compared with those involving free-floating (or planktonic) bacteria. Explain three reasons why biofilm formers are more pathogenic. Brian goes to the hospital after not feeling well for a week. He has a fever of 38 °C (100.4 °F) and complains of nausea and a constant migraine. Distinguish between the signs and symptoms of disease in Brian’s case.arrow_forwardExplain the formation of biofilm.arrow_forwardIn what type of environments can a microorganism be found?arrow_forward
- Which of the following is correct about biofilms? O 1) They are comprised only of psychrophiles. O 2) They are more sensitive to changes in growth conditions than planktonic cells O 3) Quorum sensing allows the biofilm community to behave differently than planktonic organisms 4) Biofilms only form within the environment. 5) Pure cultures are necessary for biofilm formation.arrow_forwardWhat are all the descriptive terms used for microbes that live in different environments or the terms used for the environments that they live in? What does each term mean? In what types of environments are each microbial group found?arrow_forwardWhat characteristics of microorganisms make them important research tools?arrow_forward
- Why is biofilm development in catheters (tubes that can be inserted into a body cavity, duct or vessel which allow drainage or injection of fluids) such a dangerous source of infection in hospitals?arrow_forwardWhy is it important to use sterile practices when working with microorganisms?arrow_forwardDiseases that involve biofilm-producing bacteria are serious concern. They are not easily treated compared with those involving free-floating bacteria. Explain three reasons why biofilm formers are more pathogenic.arrow_forward
