1-E-1: Sequence of Infection Flashcards
What is a pathogen?
A microorganism that causes an infectious disease.
What is the source of infection?
Infectious microorganisms originate from a source and are transferred through a host via direct or indirect contact.
What is a portal of entry or exit?
The host of the infectious microorganism must have a portal of entry or exit for the disease to be spread.
Examples: blood, skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract.
What are the ways of transmission?
Transmission can be direct or indirect.
What is direct contact transmission?
The host physically touches the source of infection.
Examples: touch, kiss, sexual intercourse.
What is droplet transmission?
The source of infection is transferred through air quickly, in large particles, and in short distances.
Examples: talking, coughing, sneezing. Mumps, rubella, influenza, and pneumonia can be transmitted through droplets.
What is indirect transmission?
The host touches an object that has been infected by the source of infection.
Example: needles.
What infections can be transmitted through indirect contact?
Herpes, impetigo, scabies, and zoster can be transmitted through indirect contact.
What is airborne transmission?
The source of infection is transmitted through long distances in air and in small particles that can stay in the air for hours to days.
Examples: measles, varicella, and tuberculosis.
What is vehicle-borne transmission?
Many people can become infected when in contact with a contaminated fomite, which are inanimate objects like food, water, medications, and equipment.
What is vector-borne transmission?
An infectious vector transports the microorganisms.
Examples: flies, mosquitos, ticks, and rats.
What is a host in the context of infection?
The host is where the infectious microorganism is passed and must have a portal of entry.
Examples: skin, mouth, etc.
