Infection ControlNATCEP Day Ten

Objectives• Identify the basic principle of infection control• Define terms related to infection control• Identify reasons why infection prevention and

control are important• Identify factors that promote growth of

microorganisms• Identify ways pathogenic microorganisms are

spread

Basic Principle

• To reduce the number and hinder the transfer of microorganisms from one person to another or from one place to another

Importance of Infection Control and Prevention • Microorganisms are always present – some cause

disease/infection (pathogens).• Those more susceptible to pathogens are the

young, old, & those with chronic diseases.• Safety of the environment increases when we

decrease the of number of microorganisms and prevent their transfer/spread.

• The actions of the health care team are to protect residents, family and staff from infection.

Factors that Promote the Growth of Microorganisms

• Food

• Moisture

• Oxygen

• Temperature

• Light

Germs and Their Spread • Direct

– Blood– Body Fluid

• Indirect– Linens– Phone

• Through the Air (Droplets)– Coughing/Sneezing– Talking

• Through a Vehicle– Contaminated Food, Drugs, etc.

• Contact with Animals or Insects– Bites or stings

Chain of Infection

Chain of Infection

Infectious Agents: Pathogens • Bacteria

– A type of pathogen treated with antibiotics– Aerobic or anaerobic

• Aerobic applies to the bacteria requiring free oxygen in order to live. Anaerobic applies to the bacteria able to live and survive in the absence of oxygen or air.

– Common examples include MRSA, E.Coli; Salmonella, Strep Throat (Streptococcus) Lyme Disease• Virus

– This type pathogen depends on a host to survive, grow, and reproduce; treat symptoms– Examples include the common cold; Chicken Pox; Mono; Measles, Flu

• Rickettsiae– This type of pathogen grows in the intestinal tract of insects, and requires a living cell to grow

and multiply; bloodsucking insects such as lice, mites, and ticks carry to humans– Example is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

• Fungi– This type of pathogen thrives in warm, moist environments; treated with anti-fungal

medications– Examples include yeast infections (thrush), Athletes Foot

• Protozoa– This type of pathogen is a one-celled organism that love moisture and typically spread infection

through contaminated water.

Reservoirs • Any place an infectious agent can survive, grow or

multiple– People– Plants– Animals– Soil– Water– Things• Medical Equipment

Portals of Exit • Path by which an infectious agent leaves the

reservoir– Body fluids– Mouth & Nose– Cough

Modes of Transmission• 4 modes of transmission– Contact• Direct• Indirect

– Through the Air (Droplets)• Coughing/Sneezing• Talking

– Through a Vehicle• Contaminated Food, Drugs, etc.

– Contact with Animals or Insects• Bites or stings

Portals of Entry • Path by which an infectious agent enters the host– Any opening in the body can be a portal (entry)

• Mouth• Eyes• Ears• Mucous membranes• Gastrointestinal tract• Urinary tract• Broken skin

Hosts • Barriers to infection are compromised (weak

or broken)• How likely?– Age– Nutritional status– Stress– Environment– Pre-existing conditions

Key Term • Nosocomial Infection– An infection acquired while in or visiting a

healthcare facility