Infection Control Terms

the lympathic system

a group of organs, vessels and tissues that protect you from infection

immunity

the immune system’s way of protecting the body against infectious disease

lymph fluid

a yellowish fluid collected by the lymphatic, and it contains white blood cells, water, proteins, salts, and waste products from tissues

lymphatic vessels

tubes that carry lymph fluid from the capillaries to the lymph nodes and eventually to the larger collecting ducts

lymph nodes

small bean shaped structures located throughout the body that act as filters, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances from the lymph fluid. they contain white blood cells which help fight infections by attacking the trapped foreign particles

white blood cells (WBC)

circulate throughout the blood to help the body fight infection and other diseases. they do this by ingesting pathogens, destroying them and cancer cells or by producing antibodies

invasion

the state resulting from pathogens invading the body and multiplying

systemic infection

infection that occurs when pathogens enter one’s bloodstream and move throughout the body causing general symptoms

localized infection

infection in one location

microorganisms

living organisms so small that they can be seen only through a microscope; also called microbe, some can be healthy or harmful

pathogens

are a subset of microorganisms that are harmful and can cause disease (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa)

healthcare associated infection (HAI)

infections that patients acquire within healthcare settings that result from treatment for other conditions

bacteria

a living pathogen that enters the body

virus

a non living antigen that enters the body

antibiotics

medication used to treat bacterial infection

non intact skin

broken skin

indirect skin

touching something contaminated by an infected person

direct contact

touching an infected person or his secrections

transmission

the spread of a pathogen from one place to another

jaundice

the yellowing of the skin and eyes, caused by damaged to the liver (an initial sign of hepatitis)

sharps

needles or other sharp objects

bodily fluids

saliva, sputum, urine, feces, semen, vaginal secretions, and pus or other wound drainage; does not include sweat or tears

sputum

the fluid a person coughs up from the lungs

mucous membranes

the membranes that line body cavities, such as the mouth, nose, eyes, rectum or genitals

perineal care

care of the genitals and anal area

terminal illness or disease

a disease or illness which cannot be cured and is likely to lead to someones death

bloodborne pathogens

microorganisms found in human blood, body fluid, draining wounds and mucous membranes that can cause infection and disease in humans

HIV

a blood-borne viral uncurable disease which attacks the immune system making the host susceptible to every pathogen.

hepatitis

inflammation of the liver

Hep B

a blood-borne viral disease, which also survives outside the body for at least 7 days. it causes liver disease and damage

Hep C

a blood-borne viral disease which can lead to serious liver damage

multi drug resistant organisms (MDROs)

microorganisms, mostly bacteria, that are resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents that are commonly used for treatment

enhanced barrier precautions

a standard of care, additional precautions used to control the transmission of infection in long term care

pandemic

a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease, an epidemic that is actively spreading to multiple regions across the globe

epidemic

an outbreak of disease that spreads quickly and affects many individuals, spreading in a limited region

acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

a disease of the human immune system caused by HIV. spread through blood, sex, infected needles, or to the fetus from its mother

airborne precautions

measures used to protect against diseases that are transmitted through the air after expelled

contact precautions

measures used when there is a risk of transmitting or contracting a microorganism from touching an infected object or person

droplet precautions

measures used to protect against disease causing microorganisms that do not stay airborne and only travel a short distance after being expelled

hand hygiene

washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol based hand rub

aseptic

preventing infection; free or freed from pathogenic microorganisms

causative agent

a biological agent (pathogen) that causes a disease

centers for diseases control and prevention (CDC)

federal agency that issues guidelines to protect and improve health. chain of infection - an illustration to describe how a disease is transmitted from one person to another

infection control

methods used to control and prevent the spread of germs that are present in the environment

clostridium difficile (C. diff)

bacteria which causes severe watery diarrhea and other intestinal disease when competing bacteria haven been wiped out by antibiotics. it is spread by spores that are difficult to kill

chain of infection

an illustration to describe how a disease is transmitted from one person to another

disinfect

to decrease the spread of pathogens and disease by destroying pathogens

disinfection

process used to decrease the spread of pathogens by destroying them. chemicals are often used in this method of cleaning

disposable

a product designated for short term or single use

influenza

an infectious disease cuased by a virusl the most common symptoms include chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, sever headache, coughing and weakness/fatigue

isolation

measure taken to separate (isolate) the potentially harmful microorganism and prevent spread to other residents

mode of transmission

how the pathogen travels from one person to another. can happen through the air, or through direct or indirect contact

standard precautions

treating all blood, body fluids, non intact skin and mucous membranes as if they are infected

occupational safety and health administration (OSHA)

federal agency that protects workers from hazards on the job

pediculosis

an infestation of lice

portal of entry

the way pathogens enter the body (mouth, nose, skin breaks, urinary tract and anus)

portal of exit

the ways pathogens leave the body (urine, feces, saliva, tears, drainage from wounds, sores, blood, excretion from respiratory tract or genitals)

reservoir

where pathogens live and multiply

scabies

a contagious skin infection that occurs among humans and other animals. caused by tiny and usually not directly visible parasite which burrows under the hosts skin causes intense allergic itching

sterilization

technique that destroys all microorganisms not just pathogens

susceptible host

the person who could be infected (elderly persons who are not in good health; people who do not follow proper infection control precautions)

transmission- based precautions

special precautions implemented based on how the disease spreads

tuberculosis

a bacterial infection that affects the lungs, causing coughing and difficulty breathing, fever and fatigue. it is an airborne disease carried on droplets suspended in the air

vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE)

a strain of enterococcus that cannot be controlled with antibiotics; it is spread through direct and indirect contact

methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

an antibiotic resistant infection often acquired in hospitals and other facilities; spread by direct physical contact