Chapter 9: Infection Control Concepts Flashcards
What is the cycle of infection?
infectious organisms
reservoir of infection
portal of exit
susceptible host
portal of entry
transmission of disease
What are pathogens o pathogenic organisms?
microorganisms capable of spreading disease
What distinguishes pathogens from nonpathogenic organisms and normal flora?
virulence factors
What is a reservoir of infection?
A place where pathogens can thrive in sufficient/
must have:
moisture
suitable temperature
Is a reservoir of infection human or non human?
it can be either
examples: food, water, animals
What is a portal exit?
any route through which blood, body fluids, excretions, or secretions leave the body
examples:
GI tract
Open wound
Respiratory tract
Who could be considered a susceptible host?
patients are often hosts because of a reduced immune system
healthcare workers are also at risk because they are exposed to blood and other bodily fluids
What is a nosocomial infection?
AKA HAI
a hospital acquired infection or a health care associated infection
What is a portal of entry?
the route by which microorganisms gain access into the susceptible host
examples: respiratory tract
urinary tract
GI tract
open wound or break in skin
mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth
bloodstream
What’s the best way to break the cycle of infection?
preventing the transmission of the infectious organism from the reservoir to the susceptible host
What are the six main routes of transmission?
direct contact
fomites
vectors
vehicles
airborne
droplet contamination
What is a direct contact infection and what are some examples of direct contact infections?
its an infection that requires an infected person to touch a touch a susceptible host. It requires pathogens to be placed in direct contact with susceptible tissue
examples:
syphilis
hiv infections
staph infections
What are fomites?
an object that has been in contact with pathogenic organisms
examples:
contaminated gloves
x-ray table
positioning sponges
What are vectors?
an arthropod in whose body an infectious organism develops or multiplies before becoming infective to a new host
Transmission occurs when an infected insect bites the host
examples:
mosquitos - malaria
ticks - Lyme disease
What is a vehicle in terms of infectious disease?
any medium that transports microorganisms
examples: contaminated food, water, drugs, or blood
