Hepatitis C
Orlilu7
Chain_of_Infection.pptThe Chain of Infection
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As healthcare professionals, it is important to understand two things about infection:
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the various ways infection can be transmitted
2. the ways the infection chain can be broken
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There are six links
in the chain of infection :
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1st - The Infectious Agent
-any disease-causing microorganism (pathogen)
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2nd - The Reservoir Host
-the organism in which the infectious microbes reside
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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”
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3rd - The Portal of Exit
-route of escape of the pathogen from the reservoir.
Examples: respiratory secretions, blood exposure, breaks in skin
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4th - The Route of Transmission
-method by which the pathogen gets from the reservoir to the new host
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Transmission may occur through:
direct contact
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air
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insects
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5th - The Portal of Entry
-route through which the pathogen enters its new host
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Respiratory System
inhalation
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Gastrointestinal System
ingestion
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Urinary & Reproductive Tracts
Sexual contact
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Breaks in Protective Skin Barrier
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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.
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Organisms with strong immune systems are better able to fend off pathogens.
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Organisms with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to the support & reproduction of pathogens.
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-The essential part of patient care & self-protection.
How to interrupt the chain of infection:
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1. Pathogen Identification
-identification of infectious agent & appropriate treatment
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2. Asepsis & Hygiene
-potential hosts & carriers must practice asepsis & maintain proper personal hygiene
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3. Control Portals of Exit
-healthcare personnel must practice standard precautions:
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(Control body secretions & wash hands according to protocol.)
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4. Prevent a Route of Transmission
-prevent direct or indirect contact by:
- Proper handwashing
- Disinfection & sterilization techniques
- Isolation of infected patients
- Not working when contagious
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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.)
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6. Recognition of Susceptible Host
-health professionals must recognize & protect high-risk patients
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- Cancer Patients
- AIDS Patients
- Transplant Patients
- Infant & Elderly Patients
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Remember--breaking the chain of
infection is the responsibility
of each health professional.
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