Infection Control: Bloodborne Pathogens and Standard Precautions (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from infection control, HIV, HBV, and Standard Precautions.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease; includes HBV and HIV.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus; attacks CD4 T cells and can progress to AIDS; replicates via reverse transcription and integration into host DNA.

AIDS (Stage 3 HIV)

Advanced HIV infection with severe immune suppression and opportunistic infections (e.g., PCP pneumonia, Kaposi's sarcoma, TB).

CD4 T cells

Helper T lymphocytes bearing the CD4 receptor; primary target of HIV.

gp120

HIV envelope glycoprotein that binds the CD4 receptor to initiate entry into the host cell.

gp41

HIV envelope glycoprotein that mediates fusion of viral and host cell membranes.

CCR5 coreceptor

Chemokine receptor on CD4 cells used by HIV to enter the cell.

Reverse transcription

HIV enzyme process that converts viral RNA into DNA for integration into the host genome.

Integrase

Viral enzyme that inserts HIV DNA into the host cell's DNA.

Protease

Enzyme that cleaves viral polyproteins to produce mature, infectious HIV virions.

Budding and maturation

Process by which new HIV virions bud from the host cell and mature into infectious particles.

HIV Incidence

Number of new HIV infections in a population during a defined time period.

HIV Prevalence

Total number of people living with HIV at a given time.

Window period

Time after HIV infection before antibodies become detectable.

Antibodies

Immune proteins produced in response to infection; presence indicates exposure, not necessarily active infection.

Acute HIV symptoms

Early symptoms such as fever, chills, night sweats, sore throat, fatigue; many patients are asymptomatic.

Opportunistic infections

Infections that occur more frequently in people with weakened immune systems (e.g., AIDS-related infections).

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

Common opportunistic pneumonia seen in AIDS patients.

Kaposi's sarcoma

A cancer linked to AIDS, characterized by lesions on the skin and other organs.

TB

Tuberculosis; an opportunistic infection that can affect people with HIV/AIDS.

Bloodborne Transmission (HIV)

Transmission of HIV through blood contact (e.g., needles, transfusions, contaminated equipment).

Sexual transmission (HIV)

Spread of HIV through sexual contact with an infected person.

Perinatal transmission (HIV)

Transmission of HIV from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.

HIV vulnerability

Virus dies quickly outside the body; diluted bleach (1:10) and soap and water can remove/kill it.

HBV (Hepatitis B Virus)

Virus causing hepatitis; can be acute or chronic; can survive on surfaces for up to 7 days.

HBV transmission

Spread via blood, sexual contact, and percutaneous/mucosal exposure; not spread by coughing, sneezing, or breastfeeding; may involve inanimate objects.

HBV incubation

30–180 days from exposure to onset of symptoms.

HBV symptoms

Early symptoms include muscle/joint pain, fever, nausea; tell-tale signs include jaundice; incubation approx. 30–180 days.

HBV immunization schedule

Three-dose vaccine: first dose, second dose 1 month later, third dose 5 months after the second.

HBV immunoglobulin

Hepatitis B immune globulin used for post-exposure prophylaxis or high-risk exposure.

Occupational exposure

Percutaneous exposure or contact with blood/OPIM; higher risk with deep injury, visible blood on device, device previously in a vein/artery, source patient with advanced disease.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Antiretroviral treatment started after exposure to reduce HIV infection risk; typically 4 weeks with multiple drugs; follow-up HIV testing.

Exposure incident

Event with potential exposure to blood/OPIM requiring report and follow-up.

Universal Precautions

Approach that all patients’ blood and certain body fluids are treated as potentially infectious; precursor to Standard Precautions.

Standard Precautions

Infection control practices applied to all patients; covers blood, all body fluids (except sweat), non-intact skin, mucous membranes; emphasizes hand hygiene and PPE.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Equipment such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection used to prevent exposure.

Gloves

Protective wear worn when touching blood/fluids; changed between tasks and removed after use.

Gown

Impermeable protective garment worn to protect clothing/skin from contamination.

Mask and eye protection

Face/eye protection worn during activities likely to generate splashes or sprays of body fluids.

Hand hygiene

Washing hands with soap and water; recommended 10-second friction rub; performed after touching blood/fluids and after removing gloves.

Sharps container

Color-coded, puncture-resistant, leak-proof container for used needles/sharps; replaced when ½–¾ full.

Resuscitation devices

One-way valve mask or similar device used to avoid mouth-to-mouth contact during resuscitation.

Environmental controls

Procedures for routine cleaning/disinfection; HBV can survive up to 7 days on surfaces.

Linen handling

Bag soiled linens at the point of origin; wear gloves; do not shake; close bag when ½–¾ full.

Specimens

Collected in leak-proof containers and transported in sealed, labeled leak-proof containers.

Regulated Waste

Waste that contains or could release body fluids and must be disposed of in designated containers.

Spills cleanup

Use gloves; scoop up glass; absorbent material; disinfect with approved agent (e.g., 1:10 bleach); bag waste in biohazard bags.

Biohazard labeling

Labels identifying biohazardous materials or waste.

OPIM (Other Potentially Infectious Material)

Fluids and materials that may contain infectious agents beyond blood, requiring precautions.