Infection control Flashcards
is a set of 6 intertwined links that allow for communicable diseases to spread.
Each step of the chain is required to effectively transmit infectious illness.
Breaking any one of the 6 links can slow the spread of infectious disease.
Chain of infection
For the infection to escalate to an epidemic means that _______
all components or links are favorable to the pathogenic microbe.
Six Links of the Chain of Infection
Infectious Causative Agent
Reservoir
Exit Pathway/Portal of exit
Mode of transmission
Entry pathway
Susceptible Host
aka _________ are microorganisms that cause disease. Without pathogens, we would not have transmissible, infectious disease.
Ex:
Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Parasite
Infectious Causative Agent
Pathogens
serves as a place in the environment where a pathogen lives, replicates and thrives.
Reservoir
Ex:
Human, Animals, Insects, Environment
form of reservoir wherein humans carry the infection
Human Reservoir
are more likely to be recognized. This means that the patient’s contacts and normal activities will normally be restricted
symptomatic infection
Carriers do not display any signs or symptoms of illness. They are asymptomatic but can still spread disease (ex: Typhoid Mary, COVID 19 )
Asymptomatic carriers
Any infectious disease that is naturally transmitted from animal or insect to human is considered a ___________
zoonotic disease
Ex:
Lyme disease (ticks)
Rabies (animals)
Salmonella (raw meats, eggs, and dairy)
Dengue
form of reservoir wherein animals/insects carry the infection
Animal and Insect Reservoir
form of reservoir wherein Environment harbor many infectious diseases
Environmental reservoir
Examples of Environmental reservoir
Ex:
Soil (which acts as a reservoir for Clostridium tetani, the causative agent of tetanus); and
Water (which is a reservoir for Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaire’s disease.)
A way or manner where an infectious agent can leave the reservoir host
This depends entirely on the characteristics of the reservoir.
Exit Pathway/portal of Exit
In humans, the main portals of exit include:
Alimentary: vomiting, diarrhea, saliva
Genitourinary: sexual contact
Respiratory: secretions from coughing, sneezing, or talking
Skin: open wounds
Examples of mode of transmission
Airborne, direct or indirect contact , droplets, vector (insect) and vehicle (food, water or drugs)
way in which pathogen is passed on
Mode of transmission