Communicable Disease and Infection Control Flashcards

Introduction to Communicable Diseases and Microbes

  • Definition of Communicable Diseases:

    • Also referred to as contagious diseases.

    • Caused by "germs" that spread from person to person or from animal to person.

    • Examples include influenza (flu) and COVID-19.

  • Characteristics of Microbes:

    • Defined as a living "thing" or microorganism (commonly called a "germ") that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

    • Can be categorized as pathogenic (disease-causing) or nonpathogenic (non-disease-causing).

    • An example of a nonpathogenic or pathogenic microbe context is E. coli found in human intestines.

  • Categories of Microbes:

    • Bacteria

    • Viruses

    • Fungi

    • Parasites

    • Helminths

    • Protozoa

Classification and Characteristics of Bacteria

  • Classification Based on Shape:

    • Cocci (spheres): Round bacteria.

    • Bacilli (rods): Rod-shaped bacteria.

    • Spirilla (spirals): Spiral-shaped or curved bacteria.

  • Survival Requirements:

    • Aerobic: Microbes that need oxygen to live.

    • Anaerobic: Microbes that die if oxygen is present.

  • Bacterial Survival Mechanisms (Endospores):

    • Bacteria surround themselves with a protective shell called an endospore and become inactive.

    • When the bacteria find favorable ("good") conditions, they become active again.

    • The endospore shell makes the bacteria harder to kill.

    • Examples of endospore-forming bacteria include botulism and Clostridium difficile ("c diff").

Illnesses Caused by Bacteria

  • Bacterial Illnesses:

    • Tetanus (lockjaw)

    • Botulism (food poisoning)

    • Strep throat

    • Abscesses

Viruses and Viral Illnesses

  • Characteristics of Viruses:

    • Identified as the smallest microbe.

  • Illnesses Caused by Viruses:

    • Common cold

    • Influenza

    • Fever blisters

    • COVID-19

Fungi and Fungal Infections

  • Characteristics of Fungi:

    • Defined as plant-like organisms.

  • Examples of Fungal Infections:

    • Ringworm

    • Athlete's foot

    • Candidiasis (yeast infection)

Parasites

  • Definition and Requirements:

    • Parasites must have a host for food and protection.

  • Classifications and Examples of Parasites:

    • Scabies (caused by mites)

    • Pediculosis (caused by lice)

    • Helminths (worms, including pinworms, tapeworms, and roundworms)

    • Protozoa (cause malaria and amebic dysentery)

The Immune System and Defense Mechanisms

  • Function of the Immune System:

    • Protects the body from infection.

  • Nonspecific Defense Mechanisms:

    • Intact skin

    • Mucous membranes

    • Stomach acid

    • Tears

    • Sneezing

    • Fever

  • Specific Defense Mechanisms:

    • Antibodies

    • White Blood Cells (WBCs)

    • Receiving Vaccinations

Signs of Infection to Report to the Nurse

  • Clinical signs of infection that should be reported to the nurse immediately include:

    • An increase in body temperature (note: elderly people may only have a slight increase in body temperature, or even no increase at all).

    • A rapid pulse.

    • A rapid respiratory rate.

    • Changes in blood pressure.

    • Pain, coughing, or difficulty breathing.

    • Redness, swelling, or pain.

    • Foul-smelling or cloudy urine.

    • Pain or difficulty urinating.

    • Diarrhea or foul-smelling feces.

    • Nausea or vomiting.

    • Lack of appetite.

    • Skin rashes.

    • Fatigue.

    • Increased confusion or disorientation.

    • Any unusual discharge or drainage from the body.

Antibiotics and Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs)

  • Antibiotic Function and History:

    • Antibiotics fight bacteria.

    • Penicillin was the first antibiotic and is commonly given.

  • Antibiotic Overuse and Resistance:

    • The overuse of antibiotics leads to the development of Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).

  • Examples of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms:

    • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

    • Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE)

    • Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

  • Essential Protocol for Clostridium difficile:

    • Always wash hands — never use hand sanitizer.

Types of Infections

  • Classifications of Infections:

    • Local: Affecting a small, defined area (Example: an abscess).

    • Generalized: Affecting a general area or organ (Example: a skin rash on the torso).

    • Systemic: Affecting the entire body (Example: sepsis).

The Chain of Infection

  • 1. Agent (Germs):

    • Microbes causing infection: Bacteria, Viruses, Parasites.

  • 2. Reservoir (Where Germs Live):

    • People

    • Animals/Pets (dogs, cats, reptiles)

    • Wild animals

    • Food

    • Soil

    • Water

  • 3. Portal of Exit (How Germs Get Out):

    • Mouth (vomit, saliva)

    • Cuts in the skin (blood)

    • During diapering and toileting (stool)

  • 4. Mode of Transmission (How Germs Get Around):

    • Contact (hands, toys, sand)

    • Droplets (when you speak, sneeze, or cough)

  • 5. Portal of Entry (How Germs Get In):

    • Mouth

    • Cuts in the skin

    • Eyes

  • 6. Susceptible Host (Next Sick Person):

    • Babies

    • Children

    • Elderly

    • People with a weakened immune system

    • Unimmunized people

    • Anyone