Infection Control and C. diff Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering terms related to infection classification, bacterial resistance, isolation precautions, and C. diff management.

Infection

The invasion and multiplication of a parasitic, fungal, bacterial, or viral pathogen within the body system.

Chronic Infection

An infection that lasts for a duration of three months.

Localized Infection

An infection confined to a specific, restricted area of the body (such as a single spider bite site).

Disseminated Infection

An infection that has spread from its original primary site to another area of the body.

Systemic Infection

An infection that affects the entire body rather than remaining confined to a single area or organ.

Septic

A condition characterized by having an active infection present in the bloodstream that travels throughout the body.

Neutropenia Precautions

Infection control measures designed to protect an immunocompromised patient (such as a cancer patient) from pathogens carried by healthcare workers or visitors.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

An inflammatory marker tested in blood that becomes elevated in response to body inflammation.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; a bacterial bug that has evolved resistance to specific antibiotic treatment.

Colonization

The presence of bacteria hosted on or within a body site without causing an active infection or clinical symptoms.

Opportunistic Infection

An infection (such as C. diff) that takes advantage of a host when their immune system is compromised or their normal bacterial flora is disrupted.

C. diff

A gram-positive, spore-forming bacteria that causes intestinal infections, defined clinically by three or more loose, watery stools.

Spore-Forming Bacteria

Bacteria that encapsulate, rendering them resistant to standard alcohol hand sanitizers and disinfectants, requiring cleaning with soap, water, and bleach.

Pseudomembranous Colitis

A medical term for severe, high-grade inflammation of the colon.

Contact Enteric Precautions

Specialized contact isolation precautions required for C. diff cases, requiring hand hygiene using soap and water rather than hand sanitizer and environmental cleaning with bleach wipes.

Fecal Microbial Transplant

A procedure utilized for severe or chronic infections where stool microflora is transplanted into the patient's digestive tract.