Infection

what is an infection?

the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissue which may result in illness or disease

what are the attributes of infection?

• process

• pathogen

• local

• systemic

what is the scope of infection?

• parasitic or protozoal infections

• fungal infections

• viral infections

• bacterial infections

what is the chain of infection?

• pathogen

• susceptible host

• reservoir

• portal of exit (from reservoir)

• mode of transmission

• portal of entry (to susceptible host)

what does the duration have to do with the chain of infection?

acute infection versus chronic infection

what is the source that the chain of infection comes from?

• hospital-acquired/ health care-acquired infection

• community-acquired infection (large groups, foods sitting out all day, people sneezing and coughing

Infections potentially affect?

all individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status

what are the populations at greatest risk for infections?

• very young or old (weak immunity)

• uninsured/underinsured

• residents of geographic areas where an infection is prevalent (houselessness, less sanitation)

what are the diagnostic tests for infection

• complete blood count (with WBC differential)

• C-reactive protein (CRP)

• erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

• Serological tests (to detect antibodies or viruses

• culture and sensitivity (swab)

what are the laboratory tests?

• urinalysis

• peak and troughs

what are primary preventions for infections?

• vaccinations

• hygiene

• nutrition, sleep, stress

what are secondary prevention screenings for infections?

• STI

• TB

• Flu/COVID

what are collaborative interventions?

• rest and comfort care measures

• nutritional support/fluids

• disinfection of physical environment

• antimicrobial therapy