infection control

Infection Control

Important measures to prevent disease transmission in healthcare settings.

Microorganisms

Microscopic living organisms that can inhabit the body or surfaces.

Normal Flora

Microorganisms that live in the body without causing harm.

Bacteria

Single-celled organisms often treated with antibiotics; can cause infections like tuberculosis and strep throat.

Viruses

Small disease-causing organisms that cannot survive outside a living cell; examples include HIV and the common cold.

Fungi

Organisms that can be single-celled or multicellular; can cause infections like athlete's foot and are used to produce penicillin.

Prions

Infectious proteins that can cause neurological damage; example includes Mad Cow Disease.

Protozoa

Complex single-celled organisms, some of which are parasitic.

Pathogens

Microorganisms capable of causing disease, distinguished by virulence factors.

Cycle of Infection

Six steps including encounter, entry, spread, multiplication, damage, and outcome.

Infectious Organism

A pathogen that can cause disease.

Reservoir of Infection

A place where pathogens thrive, such as humans or animals.

Portal of Exit

The route through which a pathogen exits its reservoir.

Susceptible Host

An individual with reduced natural resistance to infection.

Portal of Entry

The route by which a pathogen enters a susceptible host.

Communicable Diseases

Illnesses that can spread from person to person or animal to person.

Direct Transmission

Contact between a host and the source of infection.

Indirect Transmission

Involves fomites, vectors, vehicles, droplets, and airborne particles.

Latent Period

Time when pathogens are present but not causing symptoms.

Incubation Period

Time when the microbe reproduces and disease begins.

Active Stage

Peak of disease symptoms and communicability.

Convalescence Phase

Symptoms diminish or go into remission.

Natural Resistance

Body's mechanical barriers and chemical defenses against infection.

Acquired Immunity

Resistance developed after infection or vaccination.

Passive Immunity

Short-term immunity gained from external antibodies.

Health Care-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections acquired in healthcare settings after 48 hours of admission.

Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs)

Pathogens resistant to multiple antibiotics.

Iatrogenic Infections

Infections resulting from medical interventions.

Cross Infection Sources

Medical personnel, patient flora, contaminated environments, and invasive procedures.

Standard Precautions

CDC-recommended practices to reduce infection transmission risk.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gear worn to protect against exposure to infectious materials.

Medical Asepsis

Practices to reduce the probability of transmitting infectious organisms.

Hand Hygiene

Essential practice for preventing infection spread.

Isolation Techniques

Precautions to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Airborne Precautions

Measures to prevent transmission of airborne pathogens.

Droplet Precautions

Measures to prevent transmission via large droplets.

Contact Precautions

Measures to prevent transmission through direct or indirect contact.

Protective Isolation

Measures to protect compromised patients from infections.

Psychological Considerations

Emotional impacts of isolation on patients and staff.

Radiography of Isolation Patients

Procedures to minimize contamination during imaging.