The Chain of Infection Copyright Texas Education Agency

The Chain of Infection

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2017. These Materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of TEA, except under the following conditions: 1) Texas public school districts, charter schools, and Education Service Centers may reproduce and use copies of the Materials and Related Materials for the districts’ and schools’ educational use without obtaining permission from TEA. 2) Residents of the state of Texas may reproduce and use copies of the Materials and Related Materials for individual personal use only, without obtaining written permission of TEA. 3) Any portion reproduced must be reproduced in its entirety and remain unedited, unaltered and unchanged in any way. 4) No monetary charge can be made for the reproduced materials or any document containing them; however, a reasonable charge to cover only the cost of reproduction and distribution may be charged. Private entities or persons located in Texas that are not Texas public school districts, Texas Education Service Centers, or Texas charter schools or any entity, whether public or private, educational or non-educational, located outside the state of Texas MUST obtain written approval from TEA and will be required to enter into a license agreement that may involve the payment of a licensing fee or a royalty. For information contact: Office of Copyrights, Trademarks, License Agreements, and Royalties, Texas Education Agency, 1701 N. Congress Ave. , Austin, TX 78701 -1494; phone 512 -463 -7004; email: copyrights@tea. state. tx. us. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2017. All rights reserved. 2

The Chain of Infection > As healthcare professionals, it is important to understand two things about infection: • The various ways infection can be transmitted • The ways the infection chain can be broken Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2017. All rights reserved. 3

The Chain of Infection > There are six links in the chain of infection: 1. The Infectious Agent – any disease-causing microorganism (pathogen) 2. The Reservoir Host – the organism in which the infectious microbes reside 3. The Portal of Exit – route of escape of the pathogen from the reservoir • Examples: respiratory secretions, blood exposure, breaks in skin Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2017. All rights reserved. 4

The Chain of Infection > There are six links in the chain of infection: 4. The Route of Transmission – method by which the pathogen gets from the reservoir to the new host • Transmission may occur through direct contact, air, or insects 5. The Portal of Entry – route through which the pathogen enters its new host • • Respiratory system (inhalation) Gastrointestinal system (ingestion) Urinary and reproductive tracts (sexual contact) Breaks in protective skin barrier Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2017. All rights reserved. 5

The Chain of Infection > There are six links in the chain of infection: 6. The Susceptible Host – the organism that accepts the pathogen • 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 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2017. All rights reserved. 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 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2017. All rights reserved. 7

How to Interrupt the Chain of Infection > The essential part of patient care and self-protection > Pathogen identification: identification of infectious agent and appropriate treatment > Asepsis and hygiene: potential hosts & carriers must practice asepsis & maintain proper personal hygiene > Control portals of exit: healthcare personnel must practice standard precautions • Control body secretions and wash hands according to protocol Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2017. All rights reserved. 8

How to Interrupt the Chain of Infection > Prevent a route of transmission > Prevent direct or indirect contact by: • Proper handwashing • Disinfection and sterilization techniques • Isolation of infected patients • Not working when contagious Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2017. All rights reserved. 9

How to Interrupt the Chain of Infection > 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. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2017. All rights reserved. 10

How to Interrupt the Chain of Infection > Recognition of susceptible host > Health professionals must recognize and protect high-risk patients • Cancer patients • AIDS patients • Transplant patients • Infant and elderly patients > Remember, breaking the chain of infection is the responsibility of each health professional Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2017. All rights reserved. 11