The Chain of Infection

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The Chain of Infection
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As healthcare professionals, it is important to
understand two things about infection
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1. the various ways infection can be transmitted

2. the ways the infection chain can be broken
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There are six links in the chain of infection
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1st - The Infectious Agent
-any disease-causing microorganism (pathogen)
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2nd - The Reservoir Host
-the organism in which the infectious microbes
reside
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What are Carrier Hosts
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.
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3rd - The Portal of Exit
-route of escape of the pathogen from the
reservoir.
Examples respiratory secretions, blood exposure,
breaks in skin
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4th - The Route of Transmission
-method by which the pathogen gets from the
reservoir to the new host
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Transmission may occur through
direct contact
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air
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insects
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5th - The Portal of Entry
-route through which the pathogen enters its new
host
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Respiratory System
inhalation
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Gastrointestinal System
ingestion
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Urinary Reproductive Tracts
Sexual contact
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Breaks in Protective Skin Barrier
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6th - The Susceptible Host
-the organism that accepts the pathogen
The support of pathogen life its reproduction
depend on the degree of the hosts resistance.
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Organisms with strong immune systems are better
able to fend off pathogens.
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Organisms with weakened immune systems are more
vulnerable to the support reproduction of
pathogens.
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How to interrupt the chain of infection
-The essential part of patient care
self-protection.
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1. Pathogen Identification
-identification of infectious agent appropriate
treatment
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2. Asepsis Hygiene
-potential hosts carriers must practice asepsis
maintain proper personal hygiene
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3. Control Portals of Exit
-healthcare personnel must practice standard
precautions
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(Control body secretions wash hands according
to protocol.)
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4. Prevent a Route of Transmission
-prevent direct or indirect contact by

• Proper handwashing
• Disinfection sterilization techniques
• Isolation of infected patients
• Not working when contagious

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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.)
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6. Recognition of Susceptible Host
-health professionals must recognize protect
high-risk patients
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• Cancer Patients
• AIDS Patients
• Transplant Patients
• Infant Elderly Patients

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Remember--breaking the chain of infection is the
responsibility of each health professional.