Chain_of_Infection.ppt

1. The Chain of Infection

2. As healthcare
professionals, it is
important to
understand two
things about
infection:

3. 1.the various ways infection can
be transmitted
2. the ways the infection chain
can be broken

4. There are six
links
in the chain of
infection :

5. 1st - The Infectious Agent
-any disease-causing
microorganism
(pathogen)

6. 2nd - The Reservoir Host
-the organism in which the
infectious microbes reside

7. 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”

8. 3rd - The Portal of Exit
-route of escape of the pathogen
from the reservoir.
Examples: respiratory
secretions, blood
exposure, breaks in
skin

9. 4th - The Route of
Transmission
-method by which the pathogen
gets from the reservoir to the
new host

10. Transmission may occur through:
direct contact

11. air

12. insects

13. 5th - The Portal of Entry
-route through which the
pathogen enters its new host

14. Respiratory System

15. Gastrointestinal System

16. Urinary & Reproductive Tracts

17. Breaks in Protective Skin Barrier

18. 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.

19. Organisms with strong immune
systems are better able to fend off
pathogens.

20. Organisms with weakened immune
systems are more vulnerable to the
support & reproduction of pathogens.

21. -The essential part of patient care &
self-protection.
How to interrupt the chain of
infection:

22. 1. Pathogen Identification
-identification of infectious
agent & appropriate treatment

23. 2. Asepsis & Hygiene
-potential hosts &
carriers must practice
asepsis & maintain
proper personal hygiene

24. 3. Control Portals of Exit
-healthcare personnel must
practice standard precautions:

25. (Control body secretions & wash
hands according to protocol.)

26. 4. Prevent a Route of
Transmission
-prevent direct or indirect contact
by:
1.Proper handwashing
2.Disinfection & sterilization techniques
3.Isolation of infected patients
4.Not working when contagious

27. 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.)

28. 6. Recognition of Susceptible
Host
-health professionals must recognize
& protect high-risk patients

29. •Cancer Patients
•AIDS Patients
•Transplant Patients
•Infant & Elderly
Patients

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