Infection Control: Microorganisms, Transmission, and PPE Protocols

Sterilization

The complete destruction or removal of all microorganisms, including spores and viruses.

Sepsis

A life-threatening systemic response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Portal of Entry

The way a pathogen enters the body (e.g., mouth, nose, broken skin, mucous membranes).

Mode of Transmission

How a pathogen is spread from one host to another (direct contact, indirect contact, droplet, airborne, vector-borne).

Endogenous

Originating from within the body.

Opportunistic

A microorganism that causes disease when the immune system is weakened.

Reservoir

The place where a pathogen lives, grows, and multiplies (humans, animals, environment).

Standard Precautions

Infection-control practices used with all patients to prevent disease transmission (hand hygiene, PPE, safe injection practices).

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Equipment worn to protect against infection (gloves, gowns, masks, face shields, goggles).

Nosocomial

Infections acquired in a healthcare setting (hospital-acquired infections).

Prions

Infectious protein particles that cause fatal brain diseases (e.g., Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease).

Disinfectant

A chemical used on non-living objects to destroy microorganisms (not spores).

Aerobic

Requiring oxygen to live and grow.

Viruses

Non-living pathogens that require a host cell to reproduce.

Aseptic

Free from contamination; preventing the presence of microorganisms.

Microorganisms

Microscopic living organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

Protozoa

Single-celled organisms that can cause disease.

Pathogen

A disease-causing microorganism.

Portal of Exit

The path by which a pathogen leaves its reservoir.

Correct Order to Don PPE

Gown, Mask or Respirator, Goggles or Face Shield, Gloves.

Correct Order to Doff PPE

Gloves, Goggles or Face Shield, Gown, Mask or Respirator.