Infection Control and Microorganisms: Key Concepts and Disease Prevention

Microorganisms

Tiny living things that exist all around us.

Pathogens

Microorganisms capable of causing disease.

Nonpathogens

Microorganisms that do not cause disease and can be beneficial.

Aerobes

Microorganisms that require oxygen to survive and grow.

Anaerobes

Microorganisms that do not need oxygen to survive and grow.

Chain of Infection

The process by which an infection spreads, consisting of 6 links.

Endogenous

Infections caused by microorganisms already present in the body.

Exogenous Infections

Infections caused by microorganisms from outside the body.

Nosocomial Infections

Infections that start in healthcare facilities.

Opportunistic Infections

Infections that occur when the immune system is weakened.

Generalized Infections

Infections affecting the entire body.

Localized Infections

Infections limited to a specific area (like the throat or ear).

Antibiotics

Medications that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Antiseptics

Substances used to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms on living tissue.

Disinfectants

Substances used on non-living objects to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Aseptic Techniques

Methods aimed at preventing contamination.

Sterile Environments

Environments that are completely free of microorganisms.

Zoonotic Diseases

Diseases caused by microorganisms transmitted from animals to humans.

Rabies

A viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain.

West Nile Virus

A viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes.

Toxoplasmosis

An infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite.

Mad Cow Disease

A neurodegenerative disease in cattle that can affect humans.

Lyme Disease

An infectious disease caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites.

Ringworm

A fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped rash.

Avian (Bird) Flu

A viral infection that can infect birds and humans.

Swine (Pig) Flu

A viral infection that can infect pigs and humans.

Pathogen

A microorganism that can cause disease.

Endogenous

An infection caused by microorganisms already present in the body.

Exogenous

An infection caused by microorganisms from outside the body.

Nosocomial

An infection acquired in a hospital or other healthcare facility.

Nonpathogenic microorganism

A microorganism that does not cause disease.

Difference between antiseptics and disinfectants

Antiseptics are used on living tissue, while disinfectants are used on non-living objects.

Zoonotic disease

A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.