MCB 201

Types of Infections

• Nosocomial Infections

  • Defined as infections acquired in a hospital environment.

  • Hospital patients often have weakened immune systems due to factors like chemotherapy or major illness, making them more susceptible to infections.

  • Pathogens can come from various sources, including air, contaminated surfaces, or infected healthcare workers.

  • Most pathogens are opportunistic, originating from the patient's own flora.

  • To prevent these infections, it’s essential to break the cycle of infection—having a source, transmission, and a susceptible patient.

  • Infection control relies on education and cooperation among hospital staff.

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

  • Formerly known as venereal diseases, STDs are a significant public health issue, particularly among sexually active individuals aged 15-30 years.

  • Even individuals without symptoms can transmit STDs.

  • Transmission can also occur through non-sexual means (e.g., shared needles, contaminated blood transfusions, or from infected mothers to infants).

  • Most STDs are caused by bacteria and viruses, with a few caused by protozoa and yeasts.

  • Key examples include Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), Syphilis (Treponema pallidum), and HIV/AIDS. Education and treatment are vital for controlling STDs.

• Airborne Diseases

  • Pathogens can be transmitted through the air via respiratory droplets or dust particles.

  • Examples include streptococcal sore throat (Streptococcus pyogenes), tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), and common cold (Rhinoviruses).

  • Active immunization has significantly reduced airborne diseases like diphtheria, measles, and rubella.

• Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases

  • Often caused by improper food handling, storage, or sanitation, leading to pathogens in food or water.

  • Foodborne diseases are categorized into food poisoning (toxin-induced) and foodborne infections (actual pathogens that grow inside the body).

  • Waterborne diseases arise from contaminated drinking water, linked to fecal matter from humans or animals, often leading to outbreaks.

  • Examples include botulism (Clostridium botulinum), typhoid fever (Salmonella typhi), poliomyelitis (Poliovirus), and hepatitis A.

• Arthropod-borne Diseases

  • Transmitted by arthropods such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks, which carry pathogens.

  • Historical examples include plague (Yersinia pestis), yellow fever, and malaria (Plasmodium).

• Wound and Skin Infections

  • Pathogenic microorganisms can enter through cuts or abrasions; common contaminants include bacteria on the skin, objects, or soil.

  • Notable infections include tetanus (Clostridium tetani) and rabies (Rabies virus).

Understanding Infection Control

• Nosocomial Infections Initiation

  • Cycle of infection must involve a source, transmission, and a susceptible individual.

• Strategies for Infection Control

  • Essential to have proper sanitation and hygiene practices within healthcare settings to minimize the risk of infections.

Summary of STDs and Control Measures

• Importance of Education

  • Public health education programs are crucial for awareness about STDs and their consequences.

Airborne Infection Controls

• Impact of Vaccinations

  • Immunization has significantly decreased the prevalence of several airborne diseases.

Food and Water Safety Standards

• Prevention Methods

  • Proper handling and cooking of food, along with clean water supply, are paramount in avoiding foodborne and waterborne infections.

Conclusions

• Various forms of infections can arise from numerous sources, making understanding and control important for public health.

• Collaborative efforts in hospitals, meaningful education on STDs, vaccination programs, and stringent food and water safety measures are critical for limiting the spread of infectious diseases.