This document discusses the chain of infection and how to break it. There are six links in the chain of infection: 1) infectious agent, 2) reservoir host, 3) portal of exit, 4) route of transmission, 5) portal of entry, and 6) susceptible host. The chain can be broken by identifying pathogens, practicing good hygiene to control portals of exit and entry, preventing transmission, and protecting susceptible hosts. Proper handwashing, disinfection, isolation, and vaccination are important ways to interrupt the chain of infection.

1. Dr ASHRAF AZAZ
CHAIN OF
INECTION
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2. The Chain ofThe Chain of
InfectionInfection
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3. As healthcareAs healthcare
professionals, it isprofessionals, it is
important toimportant to
understand twounderstand two
things aboutthings about
infectioninfection:
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4. 1.the various ways infection can
be transmitted
2. the ways the infection chain
can be broken
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5. There are sixThere are six
linkslinks
in the chain ofin the chain of
infectioninfection ::02/03/15
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6. 1st - The Infectious Agent1st - The Infectious Agent
-any disease-causing
microorganism
(pathogen)
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7. 2nd - The Reservoir Host2nd - The Reservoir Host
-the organism in which the
infectious microbes reside
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8. 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”What are “Carrier Hosts”
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9. 3rd - The Portal of Exit3rd - The Portal of Exit
-route of escape of the pathogen
from the reservoir.
Examples: respiratory
secretions, blood
exposure, breaks in
skin02/03/15
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10. 4th - The Route of4th - The Route of
TransmissionTransmission
-method by which the pathogen
gets from the reservoir to the
new host
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11. Transmission may occur through:
direct contact
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12. air
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13. insects
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14. 5th - The Portal of Entry5th - The Portal of Entry
-route through which the
pathogen enters its new host
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15. Respiratory System
inhalation
inhalation
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16. Gastrointestinal System
ingestion
ingestion
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17. Urinary & Reproductive TractsSexual
Sexual
contact
contact
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18. Breaks in Protective Skin Barrier
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19. 6th - The6th - The Susceptible HostSusceptible Host
-the organism that accepts the
pathogen
The support of pathogen life & its
reproduction depend on the degree
of the host’s resistance.
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20. Organisms with strong immuneOrganisms with strong immune
systems are better able to fend offsystems are better able to fend off
pathogens.pathogens.
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21. Organisms with weakened immuneOrganisms with weakened immune
systems are more vulnerable to thesystems are more vulnerable to the
support & reproduction of pathogens.support & reproduction of pathogens.
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22. -The essential part of patient care
& self-protection.
How to interrupt the chain ofHow to interrupt the chain of
infection:infection:
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23. 1. Pathogen Identification1. Pathogen Identification
-identification of infectious
agent & appropriate treatment
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24. 2. Asepsis & Hygiene2. Asepsis & Hygiene
-potential hosts &
carriers must practice
asepsis & maintain
proper personal hygiene
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25. 3. Control Portals of Exit3. Control Portals of Exit
-healthcare personnel must
practice standard precautions:
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26. (Control body secretions & wash
hands according to protocol.)
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27. 4. Prevent a Route of4. Prevent a Route of
TransmissionTransmission
-prevent direct or indirect contact
by:
1.Proper handwashing
2.Disinfection & sterilization techniques
3.Isolation of infected patients
4.Not working when contagious
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28. 5. Protect Portal of Entry5. 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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29. 6. Recognition of Susceptible6. Recognition of Susceptible
HostHost
-health professionals must recognize
& protect high-risk patients
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30. •Cancer Patients
•AIDS Patients
•Transplant Patients
•Infant & Elderly
Patients
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31. Remember--breaking the chain ofRemember--breaking the chain of
infection is the responsibilityinfection is the responsibility
of each health professional.of each health professional.
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32. The chain of Infection
Way in for microbesWay in for microbes
• Bad microbe need a way toBad microbe need a way to
get into someone elseget into someone else
before they can cause anbefore they can cause an
infectioninfection
• This can be throughThis can be through
– the food we eatthe food we eat
– inhalation of aerosolsinhalation of aerosols
– open cuts or soresopen cuts or sores
– things we put in our mouthsthings we put in our mouths
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33. Breaking the Chain
Source of infection
• Isolate infected people
• Take care with raw food
• Wash pets on a regular basis
• Dispose of nappies and soiled
items appropriately
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34. Breaking the Chain
Way out for microbes
Prevent any
 faeces
 vomit
 bodily fluids
 coughs and sneezes
getting onto surfaces or hands
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35. Breaking the Chain
Way out for microbes
Prevent any
 faeces
 vomit
 bodily fluids
 coughs and sneezes
getting onto surfaces or hands
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36. Breaking the Chain
Spread of infectionSpread of infection
• Wash hands thoroughly ANDWash hands thoroughly AND
regularlyregularly
• Cover cuts and open soresCover cuts and open sores
• Take appropriate precautionTake appropriate precaution
during sexual activitiesduring sexual activities
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37. Breaking the Chain
Way out for microbesWay out for microbes
Prevent anyPrevent any
• faecesfaeces
• vomitvomit
• bodily fluidsbodily fluids
• coughs and sneezescoughs and sneezes
getting onto surfaces orgetting onto surfaces or
handshands
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38. Breaking the Chain
People at risk fromPeople at risk from
infectioninfection
EveryoneEveryone
• Take appropriate vaccinationsTake appropriate vaccinations
High risk peopleHigh risk people
• Keep away from people who areKeep away from people who are
infectiousinfectious
• Take extra care about cleanlinessTake extra care about cleanliness
• Take extra care when cook andTake extra care when cook and
preparing foodpreparing food
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