ch. 25 Asepsis & Infection Control

Question 1

Components of Infection Cycle

Answer 1

Infectious agent: bacteria, viruses, fungi
Reservoir: natural habitat of the organism
Portal of exit: point of escape for the organism
Means of transmission: direct contact, indirect contact, airborne route
Portal of entry: point at which organisms enter a new host
Susceptible host: must overcome resistance mounted by host’s defenses

Question 2

Infectious Agents

Answer 2

Bacteria: most significant and most prevalent in hospital settings
Virus: smallest of all microorganisms
Fungi: plant-like organisms present in air, soil, and water
Parasites: live on or in a host and rely on it for nourishment