Infectious Agents and Infection Control - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on infections, pathogens, transmission, and infection-control practices.

infection

The invasion and multiplication of pathogens in the body, causing disease.

normal flora

Bacteria that normally live on or in the body and help defend against infection.

opportunistic microorganism

A microbe that usually does not cause disease but can cause infection when normal flora is disrupted or immunity is weakened.

pathogen

Any microorganism capable of causing disease.

virus

A microscopic infectious agent that requires a host to replicate and can mutate, producing variants.

influenza vaccine (flu shot)

A vaccine to prevent influenza; viruses mutate, leading to multiple variants over time.

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

A Staphylococcus aureus strain resistant to many antibiotics, often acquired in hospitals.

colonized

Carrying a pathogen (like MRSA) on or in the body without active illness.

portal of infection

An entry point for pathogens into the body, such as broken skin or mucous membranes.

percutaneous injury

An injury that punctures the skin with a needle or sharp object, potentially introducing pathogens.

nonintact skin

Damaged or broken skin that can allow pathogen entry.

human bite

A bite from a person that can transfer pathogens; infections like HIV can be transmitted if blood is involved.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus; can be transmitted through blood and certain exposures.

droplet transmission

Spread of pathogens via respiratory droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing.

airborne transmission

Spread of pathogens via tiny particles that remain suspended in air.

direct contact transmission

Transmission through physical contact between an infected person and a susceptible person.

indirect contact transmission

Transmission via a contaminated object or surface (fomite) or material.

common vehicle transmission

Transmission through a common contaminated item or substance (e.g., hands, utensils, water).

vector transmission

Transmission via a living carrier (e.g., insects) that transmits a pathogen.

reservoir

A place where a pathogen normally lives and multiplies (host, environment, or object).

susceptible host

An individual at risk of infection due to lack of immunity or weakened defenses.

method of escape

How the pathogen exits the host (e.g., coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, shedding).

method of entry

How the pathogen enters a new host (cuts, inhalation, mucous membranes).

PPE (personal protective equipment)

Protective gear such as gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields used to prevent exposure.

standard precautions

Infection-control practices applied to all patients to prevent transmission.

isolation precautions

Measures used to separate patients with contagious diseases to prevent spread.

sharps container

A puncture-resistant container for used needles and other sharp objects.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; enforces safety and training requirements in workplaces.

HBV vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccine; provided free of charge by employers with follow-up for exposure if needed.

bloodborne pathogens

Pathogens transmitted via blood and body fluids (e.g., HBV, HCV, HIV); require strict precautions.

bleach disinfectant (10%)

A 10% bleach solution used to disinfect spills; allow contact for at least 20 minutes.

biohazardous waste labeling and disposal

All biohazardous materials must be clearly labeled and disposed of in approved containers.

hand hygiene

Regular washing or sanitizing of hands to reduce transmission of pathogens.