Chain of Infection Flashcards
Microorganisms capable of causing disease or illness
Infectious agents
Place in which infectious agents live, grow and reproduce
Reservoirs
Ways in which infectious agent leaves the reservoir
Portals of exit
Ways in which the infectious agent is spread from the reservoir to the susceptible host
Modes of transmission
Ways in which the infectious agent enters the susceptible host
Portals of entry
Individuals may have traits that affect their susceptibility and severity of disease
Susceptible host
Examples of infectious agents
Bacteria, viruses parasites, fungi
Examples of reservoirs
People, animals/pets, food, soil, water
Examples of portals of exit
Mouth (vomit, saliva), cuts in the skin (blood), during diapering and toileting (stool)
Examples of modes of transmission
Physical contact, droplets, airborne
Examples of portals of entry
Mucous membrane, respiratory system, digestive system, broken skin
Examples of susceptible host
Babies, children, elderly, people with a weakened immune systems, unimmunized people, anyone