Asepsis and Infection Control

Infection

Disease that results from presence of pathogens in or on body

Pathogen

disease producing microoragnims

Cyclic process

Infectious agent

Reservoir

Portal of exit

Means of transmission

Portals of entry

Susceptible host

Bacteria

most significant and commonly observed infectious agent, virus, fungi, and parasite

Reservoir

for growth and multiplication is natural habitat of microorganism

Portal of exit

point of escape for organism from reservoir

Means of transmission

route organism transmitted from reservoir

- Direct contact

- Indirect contact

- Airborne and droplet transmission

Portal of entry

point where organisms enter new host (often same as exit route)

Susceptible host

a person likely to get an infection or disease, usually because body defenses are weak

Susceptibility

Degree of resistance host has to pathogen

Host

source that provides shelter and nourishment

Stages of infection

Incubation period

Prodromal stage

Full stage of illness

Convalescent period

Incubation period

Interval between pathogen's invasion and appearance of symptoms

Prodromal stage

Early signs and symptoms present, most contagious, often unaware sick

Full stage of illness

signs and symptoms

Convalescent period

recovery, symptoms resolve

Infection Defense Mechanism

Skin protects body from invasion

Inflam. response

Immune response

Factors Affecting Risk for Infection

1. Integrity of skin and mucus membranes

2. pH levels

3. Integrity and number of WBCs

4. Age, sex, race, heredity

5. Immunizations

6. General health status

7. Stress level

8. Use of invasive devices

Asepsis

all activities to prevent infection or break chain of infection

Medical asepsis

Clean technique

Procedures and practices reduce number and transfer of pathogens

Hand hygiene and wearing gloves

Surgical asepsis

sterile technique

Practices used to keep objects and area free or microorganisms

Inserting indwelling catheter or central-line catheters

Hand hygiene

most effective way to prevent infection

When to hand hygiene

Before touching a patient

Before a clean or aseptic procedure

After body fluid exposure or risk of exposure

After touching a patient

After touching patient surrounding

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI)

Develop as a result of medical care, occurring in healthcare settings

CAUTI

CLABSI

MRSA

C.diff

CDI's

Sources of HAI's

Exogenous

Endogenous

Iatrogenic

Prevention using protocols and procedures

Exogenous

causative organism acquired from other people

Endogenous

Causative organism is microbial life harbored in the person

Iatrogenic

resulting from treatment or diagnostic procedure

Multidrug-resistance organisms

MRSA - methicillin-resistant staph. aureus

VISA - vancomycin intermediate-resistant staph aureus

VRSA - vancomycin-resistant Staph. aureus

VRE - vancomycin-resistant enterococci

Sterilization

destroys all microorganisms including spores/endospores

Donning PPE

Gown

Mask

Goggles

Face shield

Gloves

Doffing PPE

1. gloves

2. goggles

3. gown

4. mask

Types of precautions

Contact

Droplet

Airborne

Contact Precautions

- used for patients with Multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO)

- Wound infection

- C. diff (enteric precautions)

- PPE

- Private room

Enteric Precautions

Must wash hands with soap and water

Pathogens enter body through -

- mouth-contaminated food or water

- contact with feces or infected person (C. Diff, norovirus, undiagnosed GI infection)

Droplet Precautions

Large droplets > 5 microns

Mumps, bacterial meningitis, scarlet fever, whooping cough, flu

- Private room or cohort

- PPE

- Masks

- Eye or face shield

Airborne Precautions

Fine aerosolized particles < 5 microns

Fine mist, dust, aerosols, or liquids inhaled

Private room negative air pressure

Door closed

PPE

N95 resp

Tuberculosis, measles, varicella, disseminated herpes zoster, Covid 19

Neutropenic Precautions

Immunocompromised patients

Standard precautions

Avoid collection of standing water in room

Ensure caregiver is healthy

Restrict ill visitors avoiding plants and flowers

Private room

Door closed