Transmission of Infection

Signs of Infection

Pain, swelling, redness, local fever, throbbing, and discharge.

Erythema

Another term for redness, often seen as a sign of infection.

Pus

Thick fluid produced in infected tissue, consisting of dead cells and bacteria.

Pathogens

Micro-organisms that cause disease, known as germs.

Local Infection

An infection located in a small, confined area, such as a pus-filled boil.

General Infection

A systemic infection where bacteria and toxins spread through the circulatory system.

Nonpathogenic Bacteria

Bacteria that are harmless and can be beneficial, making up approximately 70% of all bacteria.

Pathogenic Bacteria

Bacteria that can cause disease and infection.

MRSA

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, a highly contagious and resistant bacterial infection.

Virus

A submicroscopic infectious particle that requires a living host to multiply.

Contagious Disease

A disease that spreads from one person to another through contact.

Foodborne Transmission

Infection spread through contaminated food or water.

Handwashing

The most cost-effective intervention to prevent the spread of infection.

Hepatitis

A viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver and can be transmitted via body fluids.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which can lead to AIDS and is spread through body fluids.

Active Immunity

Immunity that occurs when exposure to a disease triggers the immune system to produce antibodies.

Passive Immunity

Immunity gained when a person is given antibodies to a disease rather than producing them.

Standard Precautions

Infection control practices used to prevent disease transmission in healthcare settings.

Biofilm

A type of bacterial colony that is highly organized and difficult to remove, often found in moist environments.

Infection

Occurs when disease-causing (pathogenic) bacteria or viruses enter the body and multiply to the point of interfering with the body's normal state.

Nonpathogenic Bacteria

Bacteria that are harmless and can even be beneficial.

Bacteria

1 -celled micro-organisms, sometimes called germs.

Contraindication

A pre-existing reason, such as a skin infection, for a nail professional to avoid a particular nail service for a client.

Virus

An infectious particle that requires a living host, such as people, plants, or animals, to multiply and survive.

Scabies

An extremely itchy condition caused by an infestation of parasitic itch mites.

Fungi

Types of molds and yeasts that may produce contagious diseases such as ringworm.

Transmission

The process of how pathogens move.

Standard Precautions

The practice of using the same infection control procedures on all clients.

Immunity

The body's ability to resist or destroy infectious agents that enter it.