2.3 Infection Control Practices and the Chain of Transmission

What percentage of deaths were caused by infectious/parasitic diseases before 1932?

~10%.

How much has mortality from infectious diseases declined from 1907–2020?

98% (age-standardised).

What factors led to the decline in infectious disease deaths?

Improved sanitation, clean water, housing, hygiene practices, immunisations, antibiotics.

Why is infection control important for healthcare workers?

Protects self & family, protects patients, prevents transmission.

What percentage of healthcare workers are MRSA carriers at any time?

~4.6%.

What is the approximate number of healthcare-associated infections per year in Australian hospitals?

~165,000.

What is the main principle of infection control?

Breaking the chain of infection.

What are examples of preventing microbial growth in healthcare?

Cleaning equipment, sterilisation, removing reservoirs, reducing nutrient sources.

How do we protect portals of entry/exit?

Hand hygiene, PPE, cough etiquette, wound care.

How can host defences be increased?

Good nutrition, adequate rest, immunisations.

What is the standard precaution assumption in infection control?

Treat all patients and body fluids as infectious and all patients as vulnerable.

Why is prevention better than treatment in infection control?

Limited treatments exist, antibiotic resistance is rising, prevention is more effective.

Are all microbes harmful?

No—normal flora protect against pathogenic microbes.