Download Infection control in Hospital

INFECTION CONTROL IN
HOSPITALS
What is infection?
‘ The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as
bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present
within the body’.
Some examples – Tonsilitis
Otitis
Meningitis
Pneumonia
•Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) — also
known as nosocomial infection is an infection
that is contracted from the environment or
staff of a healthcare facility. It can be spread in
the hospital environment, nursing home
environment, clinic,or other clinical settings
Main routes of transmission
1.Contact transmissionThe most important and frequent mode of transmission of nosocomial
infections is by direct contact
2. Droplet transmissionTransmission occurs when droplets containing microbes from the
infected person are propelled a short distance through the air and
deposited on the patient's body; droplets are generated from the
source person mainly by coughing, sneezing, and talking, and during
the performance of certain procedures, such as bronchoscopy
3. Airborne transmissionDissemination can be either airborne droplet nuclei or dust particles containing
the infectious agent.
4. Common vehicle transmissionThis applies to microorganisms transmitted to the host by contaminated items,
such as food, water, medications, devices, and equipment.
5.Vector borne transmissionThis occurs when vectors such as mosquitoes, flies, rats, and other
microorganisms transmit infection.
Anti-infective AgentsAntibiotic Agents- Penicillin,B-lactamase inhibitor,
Fluroquinolones, Aminoglycosides,Tetracyclines
Antiviral Agents- Acyclovir,Amantidine, Ramantidine
Antifungal Agents- Amphoterisin B, Graciofulvin, Flucytosine, Nystatin
Antihelmintics Agents- Mebendazole, Abendazole, Niclosamide
Antituberculosis Agents- Isoniazid, Ethambutol, Rifampicin,
Antileprosy Agent- Dapsone, clofazimine,Rifampicin
Methods of prevention of infections1.Hand hygiene- hand washing is mandatory in most health
care settings
2.Sterilization- Sterilization is a process intended to kill all
microorganisms and is the highest level of microbial kill that
is possible. Sterilizers may be heat only, steam, or liquid
chemical.
3.Cleaning- In order to reduce their chances to contract an
infection, individuals are recommended to maintain a good
hygiene by washing their hands after every contact bodily
fluids and by disposing of garbage at regular intervals to
prevent germs from growing
4.Disinfection- Disinfection uses liquid chemicals on surfaces and at room
temperature to kill disease causing microorganisms. Ultraviolet light has also
been used to disinfect the rooms of patients infected
5.Personal Protective Equipment- is specialized clothing or equipment worn by
a worker for protection against a hazard.
6. Vaccination of health care workers- Health care workers may be exposed to
certain infections in the course of their work. Vaccines are available to
provide some protection to workers in a healthcare setting.