Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Prevention

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental epidemiological terms, transmission modes, and key facts about Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS from the lecture.

Epidemiology

The scientific study of health-related events amongst populations, where data is collected from a population of interest to prevent and control health problems.

Infection Prevention Specialist

A specialized role within epidemiology that focuses on disease prevention and control within the hospital population.

Chain of Transmission

A model describing six steps of infection spread: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transportation, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

Epidemiologic Triad

A model of disease causation depicting the traditional interaction among three key factors: agent, host, and environment.

Bloodborne Pathogen

Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi present in human blood that cause disease.

Direct Contact Transmission

Transmission occurring from directly touching infectious blood or body fluid, such as caring for an open wound or cut.

Indirect Contact Transmission

Transmission occurring from touching an inanimate object or tool containing infectious blood or body fluid, such as soiled dressings or sharps injuries.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver, derived from the root words "hepat" (liver) and "itis" (inflammation).

Acute Hepatitis B

A short-duration liver infection caused by HBV with an incubation period of 60-150 days; symptoms in adults may include a hive-like rash, arthritis, and fever.

Chronic Hepatitis B

A long-duration HBV infection where lab tests remain positive for more than 6 months, carrying risks of liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.

Acute Hepatitis C

A short-duration HCV liver infection with an incubation period ranging from 15-160 days; patients are usually asymptomatic, with approximately 25% developing jaundice.

Chronic Hepatitis C

A long-duration liver infection occurring in approximately 85% of HCV cases, which can lead to liver failure, portal hypertension, or cirrhosis.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

A virus with no known cure that weakens the human immune system by destroying key cells needed to fight disease and infection.

Stage 1 HIV (Acute Infection)

The initial, highly contagious stage of HIV infection where individuals may exhibit flu-like symptoms.

Stage 2 HIV (Chronic Infection)

The active stage of HIV infection characterized by a clinical latency period where symptoms may be absent; it can last a decade or longer.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Stage 3 of HIV infection; the most severe stage characterized by severe immune system damage, high contagiousness, and a 3-year life expectancy without treatment.

HIV Superinfection

A condition in which a person already living with HIV becomes infected with a second, distinct strain of the virus.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The first line of defense against bloodborne exposure, including gloves, gowns, face shields, eye protection, and masks.

Equipment Engineering

Safety controls built into healthcare equipment, such as safety needles that automatically retract into the syringe after use.