Lecture 30 Flashcards
What is a nosocomial infection?
An infection acquired via a hospital, 48 hours after admission and 30 days after discharge from hospital
How could removal of a skin cancer cause a nosocomial infection?
If the skin is not clean then the surgical instruments can take a surface skin infection such as S.Aureus and inoculate in deeper tissue where it will cause infection
What are the risks of developing wound infection from removal of a skin cancer?
1-5%
How can the rupture of an appendix cause a wound infection?
Bowel contents are released into the peritoneal cavity allowing E.Coli to establsh and infection
What is the likelihood of a ruptured appendix causing an infection in the peritoneal cavity?
10-20%
How can extensive leg trauma (such as in a motorcycle accident) cause infection?
Bacteria such as Pseudomonas Areuginosa can enter the exposed tissue
What is the liklihood that severe leg trauma can cause infection?
5-10%
What affects wound infection rates?
Degree of microbial contamination of tissues
Extent of poorly perfused tissue remaining after surgery/injury
Presence of foreign material in wound
Host immunity
Antimicrobial treatment
How can nosocomial infections be prevented?
Sterilisation, disinfection, cleaning and isolation
What is the process of sterilization?
Destruction or elimination of all forms of life
What are the different methods through which sterilization can be achieved?
Autoclave (Steam at 121 degrees and 1 atm for 30 mins, or at 134 degrees and 2 atm for 4 minutes)
Gas Sterilization through ethylene oxide
Chemical sterilization through 2% glutaraldehyde of 6% Hydrogen peroxide
Irradiation
Can sterilization affect viruses?
Yes as large numbers of viruses will become inactivated if they have prolonged exposure to moist heat
What is the role of bacillus stearothermophilus in sterilization?
It is particularly resistant to heat therefore it can be used to check if the autoclave is working correctly
What is disinfection?
KiIling of all vegetative bacteria but not spores
