General health Flashcards
1
Q
Why do we bother trying to control infections in health care settings?
A
- 300,000 HCAI per year in England- significant number of deaths as a result.
- Costs NHS £1 billion/year.
- 64% bloodstream infections directly related to IV devices insitu.
- Legal responsibility
- antibiotic resistance to routine infections
2
Q
What is the chain of infection?
A
1) susceptible host
2) causative microorganism
3) resevoir
3
Q
What makes someone a susceptible host?
A
- Low immunity/underlying disease
- elderly/neonatal/ malnourished
- antibiotics (normal flora disrupted)
- invasive procedures
- inadequate hygiene
4
Q
What is a causative microorganism?
A
bacteria virus fungi protozoa parasite
