THE CHAIN OF INFECTION

Question 1

SOURCE OF INFECTIOUS AGENT

Answer 1

• Pathogen must be present e.g Flu, Ebola, Syphilis, HIV, etc.

Question 2

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

Answer 2

• Airborne - Minute particles float in air and get inhaled, e.g sneeze
• Droplet - Large droplets from sneeze land near mouth, eyes, nose
• Direct contact - STIs, kissing, skin to skin and fluids
• Indirect contact - via a vector, animal or intermediate surface

Question 3

SUSCEPTIBLE HOST

Answer 3

• Susceptibility - means host defences are unable to prevent infection
• Age: very young or elderly
• Previous exposure
• Vaccination
• Social factors: stress, nutrition, hygiene, health status
• Immunocompromised: chemotherapy, cancer, leukaemia
• Inserted devices: catheter, cannula