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Chain of Infection

The document outlines the concept of infection and infection control, detailing the chain of infection which consists of six links: pathogen, reservoir, place of exit, method of transmission, port of entry, and susceptible host. It emphasizes that breaking any one of these links can prevent the transmission of disease. Various methods to break the chain include killing pathogens, preventing contact, and ensuring a resistant host through healthy practices.

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13 views19 pages

Chain of Infection

The document outlines the concept of infection and infection control, detailing the chain of infection which consists of six links: pathogen, reservoir, place of exit, method of transmission, port of entry, and susceptible host. It emphasizes that breaking any one of these links can prevent the transmission of disease. Various methods to break the chain include killing pathogens, preventing contact, and ensuring a resistant host through healthy practices.

Uploaded by

mr.speaker302
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chain of Infection

Infection:

• An invasion of pathogens or
microorganisms into the body that
are capable of producing disease.

• The invasion and reproduction of


microorganisms in a body tissue
that can result in a local or
systemic clinical response such as
cellulitis, fever etc.
Infection Control:
• Includes all of the practices used to
prevent the spread of
microorganisms that could cause
disease in a person.

• Infection control practices help to


protect clients and healthcare
providers from disease by reducing
and/or eliminating sources of
infection.
The Six Links…
• Pathogen
• Reservoir
• Place of Exit
• Method of Transmission
• Port of Entry
• Susceptible Host
Cycle of infection
Agent

Susceptible Host Reservoir


IP
PC
Portal of Inlet Portal of Exit

Mode of transmission
10/10/2009 Dr. Salwa Tayel 5
Reservoir
• The place for a pathogen to live
and grow
– Direct transmission:
Human or animal body (host)
– Indirect transmission:
Contaminated food or water
Animal/insect
Infected soil
Place of Exit
• Ways pathogens escape the
reservoir
– Mouth
– Nose
– Broken skin
Method of Transmission

• A way to get to a new host


• Directly
– Body fluids (i.e. blood, secretions)
• Indirectly
– Intermediate hosts (i.e.
toothbrushes, animals, drinking
fountains, food)
Port of Entry
• Ways to enter a new host
– Broken skin
– Mouth
– Nose
– Eyes
– Genitals
– Insect bites
Susceptible Host
• Those that have little (if any)
resistance to the pathogen
and thus, lack the ability to
fight them off
• Carriers: Those who carry
germ, but show no signs or
symptoms; can spread
disease, but often do so
unknowingly
Do all 6 links need to

YES
be connected in order
for a disease to be
transmitted?
…if even ONE link is
broken, an infection
will not occur!
Break the Chain…
• Kill the pathogen
• Prevent contact
• Prevent its escape
• Prevent Transmission
• Block the Ports
• Resistant Host
Kill Pathogen
• If you kill the pathogen, you
stop it from spreading
• Method
– Antibiotics or other medications
– Wash hands
Prevent Contact
• By preventing things from
coming in contact with an
infected source, the pathogen
has no place to escape to
• Method:
– Quarantine/
isolate

those with
disease
Prevent Escape
• If the pathogens cannot get
out of its host, the disease
cannot spread
• Method:
– Cover your mouth when you
sneeze
– Wear a band-aid to cover
wounds
Prevent Transmission
• By not giving pathogens a
means to travel, we can stop
the spread
• Method
– Kill/control infected
animals/insects
– Ensure proper treatment of
sewage
– Chlorinate drinking water
Block the Ports
• If you do not have ways for
pathogens to get into a new
host, they cannot infect
• Method
– Cover wounds
– Do not eat “shady” food
Resistant Host
• By making smart choices about
your health and developing a
strong immune system, your
body can fight off pathogens
without you ever feeling sick
• Method
– Exercise
– Eat well-balanced diet
– Get immunizations

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