As healthcare professionals it is important to understand two things about infection the various ways infection can be transmitted 2 the ways the infection chain can be broken There are six links ID: 578063
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Slide1
The Chain of InfectionSlide2
As healthcare professionals, it is important to
understand two things about infection:Slide3
the various ways infection can be transmitted
2. the ways the infection chain can be brokenSlide4
There are six links
in the chain of infection
: Slide5
1st - The Infectious Agent
-any disease-causing microorganism (pathogen)Slide6
2nd - The Reservoir Host
-the organism in which the infectious microbes resideSlide7
Hosts that do not show any outward signs or symptoms of a disease but are still capable of transmitting the disease are known as
carriers.
What are “Carrier Hosts”Slide8
3rd - The Portal of Exit
-route of escape of the pathogen from the reservoir.
Examples: respiratory secretions, blood exposure, breaks in skinSlide9
4th - The Route of Transmission
-method by which the pathogen gets from the reservoir to the new hostSlide10
Transmission may occur through:
direct contactSlide11
airSlide12
insectsSlide13
5th - The Portal of Entry
-route through which the pathogen enters its new hostSlide14
Respiratory System
inhalationSlide15
Gastrointestinal System
ingestionSlide16
Urinary & Reproductive Tracts
Sexual contactSlide17
Breaks in Protective Skin BarrierSlide18
6th - The
Susceptible Host
-the organism that accepts the pathogen
The support of pathogen life & its reproduction depend on the degree of the host’s resistance.Slide19
Organisms with strong immune systems are better able to fend off pathogens. Slide20
Organisms with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to the support & reproduction of pathogens.Slide21
-The essential part of patient care
& self-protection.
How to interrupt the chain of infection:Slide22
1. Pathogen Identification
-identification of infectious agent & appropriate treatmentSlide23
2. Asepsis & Hygiene
-potential hosts & carriers must practice asepsis & maintain proper personal hygieneSlide24
3. Control Portals of Exit
-healthcare personnel must practice standard precautions:Slide25
(Control body secretions & wash hands according to protocol.)Slide26
4. Prevent a Route of Transmission
-prevent direct or indirect contact by:
Proper handwashing
Disinfection & sterilization techniques
Isolation of infected patients
Not working when contagiousSlide27
5. Protect Portal of Entry
-Health professionals must make sure that ports of entry
are not subjected to pathogens.
(nose, mouth, eyes, urinary tract, open wounds, etc.)Slide28
6. Recognition of Susceptible Host
-health professionals must recognize & protect high-risk patientsSlide29
Cancer Patients
AIDS Patients
Transplant Patients
Infant & Elderly PatientsSlide30
Remember--breaking the chain of
infection is the responsibility
of each health professional.