Chain of Infection

Infectious agent

a pathogen
prevention: pathogen identification

Reservoir

the organism in which the infectious microbes reside
prevention: asepsis and hygiene

Portal of exit

route of escape of the pathogen from the reservoir
prevention: control body secretions and wash hands according to protocol

Route of transmission

method by which the pathogen gets from the reservoir to the new host
prevention: prevent direct or indirect contact by proper hand washing, disinfection and sterilization techniques, isolation of infected patients, and not working when contagious

Portal of entry

route through which the pathogen enters its new host
prevention: protect nose, mouth, eyes, urinary tract, open wounds, etc

Susceptible host

organism that accepts the pathogen
prevention: recognize and protect high-risk patient