Chain of Infection Adapted by Dana Cashion HS

Chain of Infection Adapted by Dana Cashion HS 1, Fall 2016

Principles of Infection DHO Ch 14 pg 355 and HCST Ch 3 pg 75 �Chain of Infection �Signs and Symptoms of Infection �Nosocomial Infections �Asepsis Chapter 3 2

Chain of Infection � Chain of infection contains 6 elements. If broken, infection will not occur. Infectious Agent Susceptible Host Reservoir Portal of Exit Portal of Entry Mode of Transmissio n Chapter 3 3

Chain of Infection (cont. ) � Infectious Agent. Microorganisms that normally reside on the skin. � Reservoir. Residence of microorganisms. ◦ Fomites are nonliving materials that house microorganisms. Chapter 3 4

Chain of Infection (cont. ) � Portal ◦ ◦ ◦ Respiratory tract. Skin. Blood. Gastrointestinal tract. Mucous membrane. � Mode ◦ ◦ ◦ of Exit. of Transmission. How a pathogen is transmitted. Can be through direct contact or airborne droplet. Hand washing is one of the most effective means of preventing the spread of pathogens. Chapter 3 5

Chain of Infection (cont. ) � Portal ◦ ◦ of Entry. Respiratory tract, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tract are common. Damaged skin. � Susceptible ◦ ◦ Host. One that is capable of being infected. Microorganisms must be present in large enough quantity to be virulent. The host must be susceptible. Individuals with an immunity to certain pathogens will not be susceptible. Chapter 3 6