NCLEX-PN

Let's delve deeper into the six key elements of the chain of infection .

Pathogens Bacteria : Exhibit diverse morphologies, behaviors, and reactions in laboratory diagnostic tests. Their shapes can range from rods and circles to spheres and spirals. Pathogenic bacteria can cause infections by releasing toxins into human tissue. When tested in the laboratory, some bacteria are classified as gram-positive, while others are gram-negative. Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria, cocci are round-shaped , and spirochetes are spiral-shaped . For instance, Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax and is a gram-positive aerobic microorganism. Examples of cocci include staphylococcus and streptococcus, while spirochetes can cause conditions like syphilis and Lyme disease.

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