Infection Control Foundations for Assistive Care

Chain of Infection

A model explaining how infections occur and how to interrupt this process to protect health.

Infectious agent

The microorganism that causes disease, like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

Reservoir

The place where the organism lives and multiplies, such as people, surfaces, or equipment.

Portal of exit

The route through which the organism leaves the reservoir, e.g., through respiratory secretions.

Mode of transmission

The method by which the organism travels from reservoir to new host, such as direct contact or droplet.

Portal of entry

The way the organism enters a new host, e.g., through mucous membranes or broken skin.

Susceptible host

An individual who can become infected, often vulnerable due to age or health status.

Contact transmission

The transfer of organisms directly (person-to-person) or indirectly (via contaminated objects).

Droplet transmission

Transfer of larger respiratory particles through coughing, sneezing, or talking to mucous membranes.

Airborne transmission

Spread of smaller particles suspended in air over longer distances through air currents.

Common vehicle transmission

Exposure from shared contaminated sources, such as food, water, or medications.

Vector-borne transmission

Infection spread via insects or animals like mosquitoes or ticks.

Self-inoculation

Transferring organisms from contaminated surfaces to oneself, like touching one’s face.

Cross-contamination

Carrying organisms from one patient or surface to another, typically via hands or equipment.

Cleaning

Physical removal of visible soil and organic material from surfaces.

Disinfection

Use of chemical agents to destroy most pathogenic microorganisms on objects.

Sterilization

Destruction of all microorganisms, including spores, typically for critical items.

Antisepsis

Applying antimicrobial agents to living tissue to reduce infections, such as before injections.

Hand hygiene

The most critical practice for preventing infection transmission by removing transient organisms.

Aseptic technique

Performing tasks to minimize contamination, especially during procedures involving sterile areas.

Standard Precautions

Infection prevention practices used for all patients, assuming blood and bodily fluids may be infectious.

Isolation precautions

Additional infection control measures used when a patient is known or suspected to have an infectious disease.

Local signs of infection

Signs occurring at the infection site, like redness, warmth, and swelling.

Systemic signs of infection

Whole-body responses indicating infection, such as fever, chills, or fatigue.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Protective gear like gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection used to prevent exposure to infectious material.

Infection control

Practices to reduce microbial load and prevent infection, including hand hygiene and equipment cleaning.

Latex glove use

Wearing gloves to protect hands from contamination during exposure to body fluids.