Infections

Question 1

what is an infection

Answer 1

It refers to the lodgement and multiplication of microorganisms in the tissues of the host

Question 2

what are the different types of infections

Answer 2

Primary infection
Reininfection
secondary infection
Cross-infection
Nosocomial infection

Question 3

explain what a primary infection is

Answer 3

Primary infection is the initial infection caused by microorganisms, in the host.

Question 4

explain what a Reinfection infection is

Answer 4

Reinfection is the subsequent infection by the same organism in the same host

Question 5

explain what a Secondary infection is

Answer 5

Secondary infection is the new infection set up by a new organism in the host when the resistance of the host is lowered due to a pre-existing infectious disease

Question 6

explain what a Cross infection is

Answer 6

Cross-infection is when a patient is suffering from a disease and a new infection is set up from another host or external source

Question 7

explain what a Nosocomial infection is

Answer 7

Nosocomial infection is the cross-infection occurring in a hospital or hospital –acquired infection
Sub-clinical infection is one where clinical symptoms are not apparent

Question 8

what are infectious agents

Answer 8

Parasites :majority harmless to man
Saprophytes : free-living organisms which are able to live in the outside world, on dead animals and on decaying plants

Question 9

what are the sources of infection to man

Answer 9

Man
Animals
Insects
Vectors
Soil
Water
food

Question 10

what is chronic disease

Answer 10

disease develops slowly and is likely to continue for long periods of time eg TB

Question 11

what is subacute disease

Answer 11

intermediate between acute and chronic

Question 12

What is Latent disease

Answer 12

a pathogen remains inactive for a long period of time before becoming active to produce signs or symptoms of the disease.

Question 13

what are examples of indirect transmission

Answer 13

Vehicle borne- through water, food(raw), ice, blood, serum, plasma or organs
Vector borne including mechanical and biological – insects which spread diseases are vectors. Flies, flees, cockroaches, snails
Air borne including droplets and dust
Fomite borne – any contaminated articles e.g. soiled clothes, bedding, door handles, cutlery, books ,syringes, toilet handles
Unclean hands and fingers

Question 14

What is the difference between direct and indirect transmission of disease

Answer 14

direct- involves person to person contact, sexual intercourse and placental
indirect- transmission through formites

Question 15

What is a sporadic disease

Answer 15

disease that occurs occasionally in a population

Question 16

what is latrogenic

Answer 16

it is associated with modern medical procedures such as catheters, surgery and invasive diagnostic procedures

Question 17

how can we prevent nosocomial infections

Answer 17

Sterilization and disinfection of instruments, dressings, surgical linen(masks, gowns , theatre attire) - CSSD
Single use of items e.g. syringes, needles, catheters, drainage bags
Disinfection protocols for walls, floors , hand washing protocols
HANDWASHING!!!! And alcohol rub
Standard operational procedures on aseptic technique for procedures
Adherence to isolation protocols and ward procedures
Control of carriers e.g. staff as well as patients
Prevention by health education , in-service training
Infection prevention and control department for control on isolation policies, personnel health programme including immunization, surveillance, Inservice-training , review of antibiotic policies, supervision over appropriate clean environment e.g. wards, kitchens, store rooms etc.