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The Chain of Infection

The Chain of Infection. As healthcare professionals, it is important to understand two facts about infection :. The various ways infection can be transmitted. 2. The ways the infection chain can be broken.

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The Chain of Infection

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  1. The Chain of Infection

  2. As healthcare professionals, it is important tounderstand two facts about infection: The various ways infection can be transmitted. 2. The ways the infection chain can be broken.

  3. There are six links in the chain of infection:1. Causative agent2. Source or reservoir3. Portal of exit4. Mode of transmission5. Portal of entry6. Susceptible host

  4. 1st - The Infectious Agent -Any disease-causing microorganism (pathogen)

  5. 2nd - The Reservoir Host -The organism in which the infectious microbes reside

  6. 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.

  7. 3rd - The Portal of Exit -Route of escape of the pathogen from the reservoir Examples: respiratory secretions, blood exposure, breaks in skin

  8. 4th - Mode of Transmission • The way a causative agent can be transmitted to a host.

  9. 5th - The Portal of Entry • A way for the causative agent (pathogen) to enter a new host. • Examples: • Respiratory System (inhalation) • Gastrointestinal System (ingestion) • Urinary & Reproductive Tracts (sexual contact) • Breaks in Protective Skin Barrier

  10. 6th - The Susceptible Host An individual who can contract the disease. The support of pathogen life and its reproduction depend on the degree of the host’s resistance. Organisms with strong immune systems are better able to fend off pathogens. Organisms with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to the support and reproduction of pathogens.

  11. Interrupting the Chain of Infection • Pathogen Identification • Asepsis and Hygiene • Control Portals of Entry

  12. Pathogen Identification • Identify the infectious (causative) agent (pathogen) in order to treat it appropriately.

  13. Asepsis and Hygiene • Potential hosts and carriers must practice asepsis and maintain proper personal hygiene • What is the most important thing we do as healthcare workers to practice asepsis? • Handwashing

  14. Control Portals of Exit (Prevention) • Healthcare personnel must practice standard precautions! (Control body secretions and wash hands according to protocol.) • Proper Handwashing • Disinfection & Sterilization Techniques • Isolation of infected patients • Not working when contagious

  15. 5. Protect Portal of Entry Healthcare professionals must make sure that ports of entryare not subjected to pathogens. (nose, mouth, eyes, urinary tract, open wounds, etc.)

  16. 6. Recognition of Susceptible Host • Healthcare professionals must recognize and protect high-risk patients. Cancer Patients • AIDS Patients • Transplant Patients • Infants • Elderly Patients

  17. The Chain of Infection Simply Stated

  18. Human Immunodeficiency Virus • HIV • Attacks the body’s immune system • Permanent condition • Spread through: • - Sexual secretions • - Blood • - Pregnancy or childbirth • Limited life outside the body • Not transmitted via casual contact • 1.1 million people in U.S. • Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

  19. HIV Symptoms • Immunosuppressed • Appetite loss • Weight loss • Recurrent fever • Night sweats • Skin rashes • Diarrhea • Fatigue • Swollen lymph nodes

  20. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) • Caused by HIV • Unable to fight off many cancers and infections • NO cure • Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) • Prevention • - Abstinence • - Eliminate sharing • * Drug equipment (needles) • * Personal items (razors, toothbrushes) • * ALWAYS incorporate standard precautions

  21. Hepatitis B • Swelling and inflammation of the liver • EXTREMELY contagious • Most common of many • Can lead to: • - Liver failure • - Cirrhosis (scarring) • - Liver cancer • Transmission: • - Blood • - Unprotected sex • - Unsterile needles • - Childbirth of infected mother

  22. Healthcare Workers • Increased risk • The CDC recommends vaccinations • Federal law requires employers to provide vaccinations • FREE of charge to employee. • HBV vaccine is effective and safe • Vaccine series: • - Initial injection • - 1 month • - 6 months • - Titer (4-6 weeks after last injection)

  23. HIV, AIDS, HBV • OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard - Designed to protect employees in the healthcare field

  24. “Remember--breaking the chain of infection is the responsibility of each healthcare professional.”

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