FPcC Infection Control 1

the process by which an infection spreads

microorganisms that liven or in the human body. (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminths (worms)
Ex: the Staphylococcus bacteria growing on human skin are usually harmless.

Other microorganisms are beneficial or even essential for human health and well being. 
Limit the growth of harmful bacteria by competing with them for available nutrients.

normal microbes that a person picks up by coming in contact with objects or another person (you can remove these with hand washing) 
Ex: when you touch a soiled dressing

live deep in skin layers, where they live and multiply harmlessly. (Permanent inhabitants of the skin, cant be removed with hand washing, usually not harmful unless they enter the deep tissue) 
Ex: as through an open wound

microorganisms are capable of causing diseases. (anything that can produce a disease)

A source of infection: a place where pathogens survive and multiply. 
Ex: animals, insects, humans (most common pathogen)

soil, water, food and environmental surfaces.
Ex: contaminated water, stagnant ponds, garbage, soiled diapers, wound dressings, raw sewage.

Have no symptoms of disease, yet they serve as reservoirs and can pass the disease to others. Most prefer a warm, moist, dark environment

how a pathogen exits the reservoir. Through body fluids including blood, mucus, saliva, break milk, urine, feces, vomitus, semen, or other secretions

contact either direct to indirect

between two people usually involves touching, kissing, or sexual intercourse

involves contact with a fomite, a contaminated object that transfers a pathogen. 
Ex: coughing into your hand, then touching something)

infection is passed when the pathogen travels in water droplets expelled as an infected person echoes, coughs, sneezes, or talks

microorganisms that float considerable distance on air currents can pass infection to vulnerable host. (can travel through heating and air conditioning systems to infect large numbers of people)

An organism that carries a pathogen to a susceptible host, typically by biting or stinging, creating another portal of entry into the body. 
(mosquitos, ticks, fleas, mites)

pathogens can enter the body through the conjunctiva of the eye, the nares (nostrils), mouth, urethra, vagina, and anus, abnormal openings: cuts, scrapes, and surgical incisions. Also vectors through biting

A person who is at risk for infection because of inadequate defenses against the invading pathogen.