Infection Control

Sterilization

process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores and viruses

disinfection

process that destroys or kills pathogens

antiseptic

process that inhibits or prevents the growth of pathogenic organisms

bacilli

rod shaped bacteria

spirochete

comma shaped bacteria

streptcocci

round or spherical arranged in a chain

spirila

spiral or corkscrew

staphylococci

round or spherical arranged in clusters

cocci

round or spherical shaped

diplcocci

cocci bacteria that appear in pairs

Rickittsiae

parasitic microorganisms that cannot live outside the cells of another organisms, found in fleas, lice, ticks, and mites

Causatic agent

pathogen like virus or bacterium must be found in order for a disease to develop

Reservoir

where the pathogen can live

Fomites

objects contaminated with infections material that contains the pathogens

portal of exit

a way for escape the reservoir

mode of transmission

way disease can be transmitted to another reservoir or a host

portal of entry

way for disease to enter a new reservoir

asepsis

absence of disease-producing

protective or reverse isolation

methods used to protect certain patients from organisms present in the environment, used for immunocompromised patients

contact precaution

followed for any patients known or suspected to be infected with epidermiolofically important microorganisms that is transmitted by either direct or indirect

clean

objects do not contain disease producing organisms

sterile

free from all organisms