Infection Control and Chain of Transmission Lecture Notes

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the chain of transmission, oral health reservoirs, and universal precautions based on medical lecture notes.

Chain of Transmission (Cycle)

The process through which pathogens spread, consisting of: Infectious Agent > Reservoir > Portal of Exit > Mode of Transmission > Portal of Entry > Susceptible Host.

Nosocomial

An infection acquired by a patient while in the hospital.

Infectious Agent

A microorganism such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, or helminths / parasites that can cause harmful infections and illness.

Reservoir

The place where germs live or grow, including people, equipment, the environment, animals (zoonotic), or food/water.

Biofilm

A community of microorganisms covered by an extracellular matrix.

Plaque

A biofilm originating from the pellicle that can turn into a calcular deposit when calcified.

Carious Lesions

Lesions in the oral cavity caused by microorganisms.

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums.

Periodontitis

Inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth, specifically the cementum, alveolar bone, gingiva, and periodontal ligaments.

Tonsillitis

Inflammation of the tonsils.

Dental abscess

An abscess containing pus located in the tooth or gums.

Portal of Exit / Way Out

The route by which an infectious agent leaves its reservoir to spread to others.

Mode of Transmission

The method by which an agent spreads, including hands / physical contact, equipment, air, or contact with blood and body fluids.

Portal of Entry / Way In

The route through which an infectious agent enters another person.

Susceptible Host

Any individual who is at risk of contracting an infection.

Universal Precaution

A standard set of guidelines introduced in the $1990’s$ as an approach to infection control to protect healthcare workers from HIV, HBV, and other blood-borne diseases.

CDC (Universal Precautions 1985)

Guidelines developed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

Body Substance Isolation (BSI)

A measure introduced by the CDC in $1987$ advocating for the avoidance of direct physical contact with all moist, potentially infectious body substances, regardless of whether blood is visible.

The Golden Rule

The principle of treating all bodily fluids and fecal matter as if they are actively infectious to ensure maximum safety and eliminate discrimination.

Rigorous Hand Hygiene

The practice of washing hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least $20\,seconds$ immediately after contact.