Chain of Infection & Stages of Infection

Chain of Infection

A series of steps that leads to an infection, which includes six links: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

Infectious Agent

Germs such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can cause disease.

Reservoir

The place where germs live and multiply, like humans, animals, food, or water.

Portal of Exit

The way germs leave the body, such as through sneezing, blood, or other bodily fluids.

Mode of Transmission

The method by which germs travel from one host to another, including contact, droplets, or vectors.

Portal of Entry

The way germs enter a new host, like the mouth, nose, or open wounds.

Susceptible Host

An individual who is at risk of infection due to factors such as weak immunity, age, or chronic illnesses.

Incubation Stage

The period after infection during which the pathogen is multiplying but symptoms are not yet present.

Prodromal Stage

The stage where early symptoms appear, signaling the onset of an illness.

Illness Stage

The period when the disease is at its peak and symptoms are most severe.

Decline Stage

The stage when symptoms start to decrease and the body begins to recover from the infection.

Convalescence Stage

The healing stage after the illness, where recovery occurs and the body returns to normal.

Donning

The process of putting on personal protective equipment (PPE).

Doffing

The process of taking off personal protective equipment (PPE).

Hand Hygiene

The practice of washing hands to reduce the risk of infection.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause illness or injury.

Gown

A protective garment worn over clothing during procedures to prevent contamination.

Mask/Respirator

A facial covering that helps prevent inhalation of airborne pathogens.

Goggles/Face Shield

Protective eyewear worn to shield the eyes from infectious materials.

Gloves

Protective coverings for the hands to prevent contamination and exposure to germs.

High Risk for New Infections

A condition where someone is more likely to contract infections due to low immunity.

Gold Standard for Hygiene

The practice of handwashing thoroughly before and after touching anything in a healthcare setting.

Personal Protective Gear Disposal

The proper method to dispose of single-use PPE to prevent contamination.

Avoid Germ Zone

The area of PPE, especially the front, that is most likely to be contaminated.

'Go Me Girls Go Gloves!' mnemonic

A mnemonic to remember the order of donning PPE: Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves.

'Gloves, Goggles, Gown, Mask' mnemonic

A mnemonic to remember the reverse order of doffing PPE.

Infectious Tract

Pathways through which the infectious agent travels in the chain of infection.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)

Infections acquired in a healthcare setting that were not present at the time of admission.

Virulence

The degree to which a pathogen can cause disease.

Antiseptic

A substance that reduces the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction.

Disinfection

The process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores.

Sterilization

The process of eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores.

Contact Transmission

Type of transmission where germs spread through direct contact with an infected person.

Droplet Transmission

Transmission mode involving respiratory droplets that are expelled when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Airborne Transmission

Transmission of pathogens via droplets that are so small they can remain suspended in the air.

Vector Transmission

Transmission of pathogens through intermediaries, often insects like mosquitoes.

Immune system

The body's defense system that fights infections and illnesses.

Chronic Illness

A long-lasting health condition that may not have a cure and can affect immunity.

Vaccination

A method to stimulate the immune system to develop immunity against specific infections.

Infection Control

Practices and procedures that prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Standard Precautions

A set of guidelines designed to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens.

Isolation Precautions

Additional precautions implemented for patients with highly transmissible infections.

Microbial Resistance

The ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of medications that once killed them.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Additional infection control precautions used in addition to standard precautions.

Environmental Cleaning

The process of keeping surfaces and equipment clean to minimize infection risk.

Infection Prevention

Strategies designed to prevent the occurrence or transmission of infections.

Surgical Asepsis

The complete removal of all microorganisms in a clinical setting.

Hand Sanitizer

A liquid solution used to reduce germs on the hands when soap and water aren't available.

Biohazard Waste

Waste that poses a risk to health or the environment, particularly from infectious materials.

Personal Protective Equipment Training

Education provided to ensure proper use and understanding of PPE.

Infection Outbreak

A sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected.

Infection Cycle

The continuous cycle that allows infections to spread and persist.

Outbreak Investigation

A process to identify the cause and control the spread of disease following an outbreak.

Quarantine

A period of isolation to prevent the spread of infectious disease.

Antimicrobial Stewardship

Efforts to optimize the use of antimicrobials to combat resistance and ensure effectiveness.

Petri Dish

A shallow dish used to culture microorganisms under controlled conditions.

Affiliation in Infection Control

Collaboration and coordination of efforts to prevent and control infections.

Clinical Guidelines

Recommendations to help healthcare providers make decisions about patient care.

Public Health Measures

Actions taken to prevent disease and improve the health of populations.

Surveillance in Epidemiology

Ongoing, systematic collection and analysis of health data for preventing illness.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Infections that have newly appeared in a population or have existed but are rapidly increasing.

Infection Risk Assessment

The process of evaluating the risk of infection in patients and environments.

Cohorting Patients

Grouping patients together to reduce the risk of widespread infection.

Travel-related Infections

Infections acquired during travel to different geographic regions.

Infection Control Policies

Formal rules established to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Community Health Initiatives

Programs aimed at improving health outcomes in specific communities.

Health Education

Teaching individuals about health practices to promote wellness and prevent disease.

Infection Safety

Ensuring environments are safe from pathogens that could cause infection.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Diseases that can be prevented through vaccination.

Global Health Risks

Health threats that affect populations on a global scale.

Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare across different populations.

Isolation Room

A designated area in healthcare facilities used to reduce the risk of infection transmission.

Contagious Disease

An infectious disease that can be transmitted from one person to another.

Infection Transmission Dynamics

Patterns and processes that determine how infections spread within populations.

Zoonotic Disease

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Health Authority Guidance

Official recommendations provided by health organizations regarding infection control.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis

Use of antibiotics to prevent infections before they occur.

Immunization Coverage

The percentage of a population that has received vaccines against specific diseases.

Outbreak Control Measures

Actions taken to contain and manage outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Hygienic Practices

Methods employed to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection.

Safety Protocols

Detailed procedures designed to maintain safety in healthcare settings.

Infection Control Training

Education provided to healthcare professionals on measures to prevent infection.

Diagnostic Testing for Infections

Tests conducted to determine the presence of infectious agents.

Infection Prevention Strategies

Plans and interventions aimed at reducing infection rates.

Health System Resilience

The ability of health systems to absorb shocks and effectively respond to health crises.