Infection Control Vocabulary

Pathogen

a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.

Virulence

ability to produce disease. Strength

Vector

Insect or other organisms that transmit a pathogenic bacteria or virus

percutaneous

through the skin

Permucosal

through mucous membranes of the mouth, eye, and nose

Susceptible

lacking in resistance

Immunity

Resistance to disease

Asymptomatic

showing no symptoms of disease or infection

Pathogenic

Causing or able to cause disease

Non-pathogenic

normal, do not produce disease, beneficial

Contagious

Able to be passed easily from one person to another.

Airborne transmission

occurs through contact with contaminated respiratory droplets spread by a cough or sneeze

bloodborne transmission

The spread of a disease through contact with blood or other body fluids that are contaminated.

PPE

Personal Protection Equipment

Bioburden

Microorganisms,blood, saliva, tissue and other body fluids.