Infection Control Flashcards
What are the microbial categories?
Normal flora, pathological flora, potentially pathogenistic, non-pathogenistic, opportunistic infection
Normal flora
Microbes normally inhabiting the body
Pathological flora
Microbes that will cause disease
Opportunistic infection
Accumulation of normally non pathogenic microbes
- proliferate due to lack of inhibition or growth opportunities
-overuse of antibiotics
What are the infectious agents
Bacteria, viruses, fungus
Bacteria
Small microorganisms
- mycobacterium tuberculosis
- streptococcus species
- staphylococcus infections
Viruses
Smaller than bacteria, reproduce only in living host
- hep: A, B, C, D and E
- herpes simplex types I&ll
- cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- HIV (AIDS)
Fungus
Require a carbon source
Transmission routes
Saliva, blood, respiratory system droplets, tears, vomitus
Others non dental: vaginal secretions, urine, semen, cerebral spinal fluid, breast milk
Indirect transmission routes
Airborn: coughing, sneezing, spatter, aerosol-generating procedures I droplets
Formites: dental instruments contaminated charts, telephones, pencils, gloves, books, food
Vectors: an organism lex: mosquito, flea, tick) which carries disease- causing microorganisms from one host to another
Health care workers (hcw) at greater risk
Due to increased exposure to potential pathogens, blood borne, air borne
Patients look healthy
- may be infectious, not even know it
-Do not trust appearances
Viral hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver caused by viruses
Viruses
-HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, and HEV
Acute hepatitis can lead to liver failure
Chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis and increased liver cancer risk
Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus
-MRSA (staph)
- s. Aureus normal on human skin
- can cause infection
- transmission: direct/ indirect, hospitals/ institutions
- resistant to broad spectrum antibodies
- person can be carriers (not knowing, get it more)
- can be fatal
MRSA risk factors
- age or weakened immune system
- participating in contact sports or sharing equipment
- crowded or unsanitary conditions
- associated w/ healthcare workers
- recent hospital stay or long term care facility
-Invasive devices - recent antibiotic use
MRSA prevention
Wash hands, keep wounds covered, keep personal items personal, sanitize lines, get tested, use antibiotics appropriately
Human herpesvirus diseases
Primary infection
Latent infection
Recurrent infections
Commonly called genital herpes
Neonatal is serious dan cause
- delayed mental dvlpmnt
-Blindness
- neurologic problems
- death if infected during childbirth
Antiviral therapy
Primary infection
Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis
- affects 50% to 90% of people worldwide
Latent Infection
Occurs in trigeminal nerve
Recurrent infections
Manifest as herpes labialis herpetic whitlow, ocular/ ophthalmic herpes
Delay dental treatment till crusted over
HIV/AIDS infection
-HIV attacks t-cells, weakens immune system
-Opportunistic infection (ols) take advantage of weekend system (last stage of HIV infections: AIDS )
- transmission ( parenteral - med route, sexual)
HIV testing for diagnosis and infection staging
- Lab testing
- self-administered HIV testing
- t-cell counts and viral load counts
stage 1: adult HIV infection
Stage 2: clinical latency
Stage 3: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Prevention and treatment of HIV infection
- No vaccine; focus is on prevention
- dental personnel role is prevention
- medications require strict regime and compliance can be problematic
- use of medications can lead to undetectable viral levels and therefore, no risk of transmission
Dental hygiene management
DH may be first to suspect HIV infection
ADA protection and DH’s ethical and legal obligation to treat
Avoid language judging hiv-positive patient based on
- sexual orientation
- gender identity
-Sexual and or drug behaviors
Other medical/social behaviors
Dental hygiene management
DH may be first to suspect HIV infection
ADA protection and DH’s ethical and legal obligation to treat
Avoid language judging hiv-positive patient based on
- sexual orientation
- gender identity
-Sexual and or drug behaviors
Other medical/social behaviors
