Key Terms Flashcards
Infection
When a pathogen invades tissues and begins multiply within a host.
Colonization
Presence and multiplication of microorganisms within a host but without tissue invasion or damage (EX. GI Tract naturally colonized w/ ecology)
Communicable Infection
that which can be transmitted from one individual to another (EX COVID)
Symptomatic Infection
When pathogens multiply and cause signs and symptoms are present
Asymptomatic Infection
When pathogens multiply but no clinical signs and symptoms are present
Virulence
Ability to produce disease (covid eventually got everyone..it is virulent)
Etiological agent
The cause of something
Infectious agents
Viruses
bacteria
fungus
protozoans
helminthes
prions
Infectious agents
“The cause of an infection”
Reservoirs
Also known as an “environment in which bacteria come from”
-a reservoir is any natural setting where Growth and reproduction of an infectious agent can occur
Another word for Inanimate objects
Motive transmission
Examples of Reservoris
ANY ENVIORMENT
-humans
-animals
-food
-water
-insects/anthropoids
-inanimate objects
-soiled or wet dressings
-hospital equipment
Chain of infection
1.infectious agent
2. Reservoir
3. Portal of exit
4. Means of Transmission
5. Portal of Entry
6. Susceptible Host
Portal of Exit
Anything open where an infectious agent can get out of the body and be transferred to another patient
Examples of Portals of exits
-respiratory: sputum,cough,sneeze
-Gastrointestinal: saliva, eyes is, blood & feces
-Genitourinary: reproductive secretions, urine
-venous system: blood
-MM & Non-Intact skin: draining wounds
-Eyes and ears
Means of Transmission
-Direct Contact: person to person
-Indirect Contact: Fomite (objects that transmit germs- stethoscope, thermometer..)
-Respiratory: through the air
-vector: insect transmission (fleas, ticks)
Indirect Contact High Touch Areas
-gowns, bed linen, bedside furniture, and other objects in the immediate environment
-handles
-IV poles
-BP machines, Pulse Ox, Stethoscopes
-Accudata Machines
-a multiple of other inanimate objects
Portal Of Entry
-GI-GU Tract
-Mucous Membrane
-Skin Integrity Disruption
-Respiratory Tract
-Eyes
Disinfecting Wipes
-Clorox Bleach Wipes
-Hydrogen Peroxide
Clorox Bleach Wipes USE
-3 minutes REQUIRED of wet to dry on surfaces to kill pathogen .. MAKE SURE TO SCRUB
-if C-Difficile patient is suspected, Bleach wipes MUST be used
Hydrogen Peroxide Wipes USE
-most routine equipment and surface disinfection (normally when they don’t have C-Difficile)
- H-P wipes require 1 minute of wet to dry surfaces to kill pathogens
Susceptible Host
-immunocompromised
-age or the very young
-trauma/surgery
-indwelling devices
-skin, mucous membrane breaks
-poor oxygen
-impaired circulation
-chronic or acute disease
-antibiotic resistance (MDRO)
-poor nutrition
-stress
-crowded enviorments
-poor sanitation
-travel expose
MDRO
Multi drug resistance organisms
Isolation
Isolation is the intentional separation & restriction of ill persons with a confirmed contagious, transmittable infectious disease.
