Chapter 19: Epidemiology - Nosocomial Infections + Control

Question 1

What are healthcare associated infections, aka nosocomial infections?

Answer 1

• infection acquired in a hospital

Question 2

What percentage of patients acquire nosocomial infection?

Answer 2

5-10% of patients

Question 3

How do nosocomial infections arise? (3)

Answer 3

1. Pathogens in hospital
2. Immuno-compromised state of patients
3. Chain of transmission (direct, indirect, airborne)

Question 4

How does direct contact transmission cause nosocomial infection?

Answer 4

staff to patient, or patient to patient

Question 5

How does indirect contact cause nosocomial infection?

Answer 5

• through fomites

Question 6

How does airborne transmission cause nosocomial infections?

Answer 6

through ventilation systems

Question 7

What are ways to control the spread of disease?

Answer 7

1. Hygiene
2. Vectors and reservoirs
3. Avoidance
4. Isolation

Question 8

How is hygiene effective in controlling spread of disease? (4)

Answer 8

1. proper handwashing
2. proper sterilization, disinfection, sanitization
3. proper preparation of food, water
4. proper sanitization, sewage treatment

Question 9

What is the single most effective way to combat spread of disease?

Answer 9

proper hand-washing

Question 10

How does vector and reservoirs help control the spread of disease?

Answer 10

• controlling insect vectors
  ex. mosquito control
• vaccination of domestic animals
  ex. against rabies

Question 11

how does avoidance help control the spread of disease? (2)

Answer 11

• avoid contact with carriers
  ex. use of nitrile gloves
• Quarantine

Question 12

What is quarantine?

Answer 12

• infected individuals removed from society
• ex. Tuberculosis sanatoriums leper colonies
  ex. covid

Question 13

How does isolation help control the spread of disease?

Answer 13

• people who are highly susceptible are isolated
• ex. bone marrow transplant patients