Infection Control Concepts pt1

Cycle of Infection

1. Infectious Organism;

2. Reservoir of Infection;

3. Portal of Exit;

4. Transmission of Disease;

5. Portal of Entry;

6. Susceptible Host

Infectious organisms

Pathogens or pathogenic organisms

Pathogens definition

Microorganisms capable of causing disease

Reservoir of Infection

Place where pathogens can thrive in sufficient numbers to pose a threat

Reservoir requirements

Must have moisture, nutrients, and a suitable temperature

Common pathogens

Bordetella pertussis;

Streptococcus pyogenes

Bordetella pertussis

Disease: whooping cough

Streptococcus pyogenes

Disease: strep throat

Do Reservoir sources have to be human or what else can it be

May be human or nonhuman (food, water, animals)

Portal of Exit definition

Any route through which blood, body fluids, excretions, or secretions leave the body

Portal of Exit examples

GI tract;

open wound;

respiratory tract

Best way to break the cycle of infection

Prevent transmission of the infectious organism from the reservoir to the susceptible host

Transmission of disease

definition: the movement of an infectious organism from reservoir to susceptible host

Portal of Entry definition

The route by which microorganisms gain access into the susceptible host

Portal of Entry examples

Respiratory tract;

urinary tract;

GI tract;

open wound or break in skin;

mucous membranes of eyes, nose, or mouth;

bloodstream

Susceptible host explanation

Patients often are susceptible because of a reduced immune system

Nosocomial infection definition

Hospital-acquired infection (HAI); an infection contracted in a hospital

Why healthcare workers are at risk

Because of routine exposure to blood and bodily fluids