Download Infection and Infection Control

Infection and
Infection Control
Health Science
Standard 13
 Define
chain of infection and provide
strategies of how to break each part of the
chain to prevent infection. Conduct a short
research project on the effects of practices
of sanitation and disinfection on health and
wellness, examining the implications for
public health. Synthesize findings in a
written, oral, or digital presentation, citing
evidence from the investigation.
Introduction- we are surrounded by a
world of microorganisms (microbes) that
cannot be seen. They are everywhere
around, in and on us. The study of these
microbes is known as MICROBIOLOGY.

Non-pathogensdo not cause
disease, they are
often helpful.

Pathogens
(germs)microbes that
are not useful;

Bacteria

Viruses

Fungi

Protozoa
Infection occurs when
pathogens invade the
body
Body defenses

The body has some natural protection against
infections that include:
 Skin






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Mucous membranes
Cilia
Coughing/sneezing
Hydrochloric acid
Eyes watering
Fever
Phagocytes -special blood cells that destroy
microbes
Inflammation-brings blood and phagocytes to the
area of infection
Immune response-develops immunity against
recurrence
The Chain of Infection
Infectious Agent
Infectious Agent



Microorganism that produces the disease
in humans
Most common causative agents:

Bacteria

Viruses

Fungi

Protozoa
Ways to Break the Chain/Prevent Infection?
Ways to Break the Infectious
Agent

preventative treatment – for those
who may be exposed

rapid identification

prompt treatment – for those
infected

good health and hygiene.
The Chain of Infection
Infectious Agent
Reservoir Host
Reservoir Host or Source


Where the pathogens can survive
Four most common reservoirs:
 Humans
 Animals
 Environment
 Fomites
 In the healthcare setting, reservoirs include
the:
Patient
 Health care workers
 Environment
 Equipment


Ways to Break the Chain/Prevent Reservoir?
Ways to Break the Reservoir
Host
 good
health and hygiene
 environmental
sanitation
 disinfection/sterilization
 hand
hygiene.
Disinfection and Sterilization
Disinfection- the
process of
eliminating harmful
pathogens from
equipment/instrum
ents
 Uses chemicals to
eliminate pathogens
(disinfectant)
 Process depends on
chemicals used

Sterilizationremoves pathogens
and non-pathogens
from an item
 Process completed
in an autoclave
which uses steam to
kill organisms
 Non-disposable
items are wrapped
and taped prior to
sterilization. Tape
changes color when
sterile.

The Chain of Infection
Infectious Agent
Reservoir Host
Portal of Exit
Portals of Exit

How organisms leave the reservoir of the
host

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




Excretions
Wound drainage
Urine/feces
Blood
Saliva
Tears
Ways to Break the Chain/Prevent Portals of Exit?
Ways to Break the Portals of
Exit
 hand
hygiene
 proper
attire
 control
of excretions and
secretions
 appropriate
and waste.
disposal of trash
The Chain of Infection
Infectious Agent
Reservoir Host
Portal of Exit
Mode of Transmission
Mode of Transmission

The spread of infection may happen in
one of three ways:
Airborne-small particles suspended in air
move with air current, patient breathes in
pathogen
 Droplet-moist particles produced by
coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing,
usually only travel three feet from source
 Contact-direct contact with contaminated
item


Ways to Break the Chain/Prevent
Transmission?
Ways to Break the Mode of
Transmission
 hand
hygiene
 proper
food handling
 isolation
 airflow
procedures
control
 disinfection/sterilization.
The Chain of Infection
Infectious Agent
Reservoir Host
Portal of Exit
Portal of Entry
Mode of Transmission
Portal of Entry

How the organisms enter the body:





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Breaks in the skin
Respiratory tract
Genitourinary tract
Circulatory system
Trans-placental
Ways to Break the Chain/Prevent Entry?
Ways to Break the Portal of
Entry
 hand
hygiene
 wound
care
 catheter
 aseptic
care
technique
Aseptic Technique- Disease
Prevention


Asepsis- the absence of disease-producing
microbes
Medical Asepsis-medical practices or
precautions that are taken to reduce the
numbers of microbes or interrupt
transmission from one person to another
person, place or object.

Techniques:
Hand washing
 Gloves for contact with blood and body fluids
 Cleaning/disinfecting equipment

The Chain of Infection
Infectious Agent
Reservoir Host
Susceptible Host
Portal of Exit
Portal of Entry
Mode of Transmission
Susceptible Host



The person who harbors infectious
organisms
Risk factors:

Number and strength of infectious
organisms

General health

Age, sex, heredity

Condition of immune system
Ways to Break the Chain/Prevent the Host?
Ways to Break the Susceptible
Host
 treatment
of primary disease
 recognizing
high risk clients
ASSIGNMENT

Create a 3D model of the chain of
infection using regular household
items. Remember, it is a “chain” so
the items must link together.