Reservoirs of infection / humans

What are the steps in the chain of infection?

Source/reservoir, transmission, colonization/entry, and possibly exiting through a portal of exit

What is the significance of understanding the chain of infection?

Helps identify points to stop disease spread

What is a reservoir of infection?

Habitat for pathogens like animals or environmental sources.

How do human reservoirs impact the spread of communicable diseases?

Infected humans are significant disease reservoirs, easier to control than those involving wild animals

How was the smallpox virus eradicated?

Through vaccination programs and isolating infected individuals, removing the virus's human reservoir.

What precautions can symptomatic individuals take to prevent the spread of infectious diseases?

Symptomatic individuals should stay home, rest, and avoid contact to prevent transmission.

What is an asymptomatic carrier?

An asymptomatic carrier harbors a pathogen without experiencing clinical symptoms, potentially spreading the disease unknowingly.

Why are asymptomatic carriers significant in controlling sexually transmitted infections (ST|s)?

Asymptomatic carriers of STis, like gonorrhea, can unknowingly transmit the infection to sexual partners, complicating control efforts as they often move freely without seeking medical treatment.

How do some potentially pathogenic microbes contribute to carriers?

Certain microbes, like Staphylococcus aureus, can colonize the skin or mucosal surfaces, making carriers potential sources of infection to themselves and others, even without experiencing illness.

What challenges are associated with ridding carriers of infectious organisms?

Even with antimicrobial medications, eliminating infectious organisms from carriers, like those of Staphylococcus aureus, can be difficult.