Infection Control Define the terms relating to infection control practices in health care Describe the four major groups of pathogens and research common infectious diseases associated with each group Describe the infectious process and methods to prevent infection Describe the methods of Standard an Transmission-Based Isolation Precautions that prevent the spread of micro-organisms Describe three levels of medical asepsis List the principles of surgical asepsis How can health care works keep infection from spreading? What are the links in the chain of infection? How can health care professionals prevent the spread of disease at each link in the chain of infection? How are diseases transmitted from person to person? Why do some people get sick and others do not? What are the advantages of washing hands with soap and water vs hand sanitizer? When should a health care worker use sterile gloving rather than normal gloving?

Infection Control Direct correlation between exposure to microorganisms and disease

Pathogens Any disease causing microorganisms Non-pathogens Normal body flora Beneficial: maintaining body processes food production  Yogurt, sour cream, beer, bread Types of Microorganisms

Saprophytes Live on dead matter or tissues

Types of Pathogens Fungi: Molds and yeasts Skin infections: Athlete’s foot Ringworm Thrush

Types of Pathogens Protozoa: Only group of microbes classified as animals Types of Protozoa: Trichomonas vaginalis Malaria Giardiasis

Types of Pathogens Viruses: Obligate intracellular parasite Cannot reproduce unless inside host cell Receives nutrients from host cell Not susceptible to antibiotics Causes: Varicella (chickenpox) Common cold Herpes

Bacteria Simple one celled plants that multiply rapidly Bacilli Rod-shaped Have ability to form spores-a protective hard “shell” protects daughter cell Cause: Tuberculosis Whooping cough Hemorrhagic fever

Shapes of Bacteria Cocci Round shaped Diplococci-occur in pairs Cause: Gonorrhoea Streptococci-occur in chains Cause: Strep throat Staphylococci-occur in clusters most common bacterial infection in humans Cause of nosocomial infections Wound infections Toxic shock syndrome

Spirals Spirilla Spiral or corkscrew shaped Causes: Syphilis Cholera

Factors Required for Microbial Growth

Factors required for microbial growth Warm environment Body temperature Darkness Many killed by sunlight Source of food Moisture and….

Factors required for microbial growth Varying oxygen needs Aerobic bacteria Live and reproduce in presence of oxygen Anaerobic bacteria Live and reproduce without oxygen

How Microorganisms Cause Disease

How microbes cause disease Toxins poisons Allergic reaction Runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing Cell invasion Invades living cells and destroy them

How Microorganisms Are Spread

How Microorganisms are spread Direct contact Directly from one person to another Sex, kissing, touching Indirect contact From inanimate object to person Airborne Droplets from sneezing and coughing Droplets of blood and body fluids Insects and pests

The Chain of Infection

1st Link- The Infectious Agent Any pathogen

2nd Link- The Reservoir Organism or environment where infectious agent resides People Equipment Water Carrier Host Shows no outward signs/symptoms of disease, but capable of transmitting the disease

3rd Link- Portal of Exit Route of escape of pathogen from reservoir Examples: respiratory tract gastrointestinal tract genitourinary tract breaks in skin

4th Link- Route of Transmission Method by which pathogen gets from reservoir to new host Direct contact: Sexual contact Contact blood/body fluids Indirect contact: Objects to person Airborne Insects and pests

5th Link- Portal of Entry Route which pathogen enters new host Examples: Respiratory tract Gastrointestinal tract Genitourinary tract Mucous membranes Breaks in skin

6th Link- Susceptible Host Organism that is at risk for infection Organism with weakened immune system Examples: AIDS pts Pts on chemotherapy Transplant pts Elderly and very young Burn pts

Interrupting the Chain of Infection

The Infectious Agent Early recognition of infection Rapid pathogen identification Rapid pathogen identification Prompt treatment Immunization

Reservoir Host Maintain proper personal hygiene Environmental Sanitation Disinfection & sterilization

Portals of Exit Proper attire Gloves, gowns, masks Hand washing Control secretions Waste disposal

Route of Transmission Route of Transmission Proper attire Hand washing Proper disposal of contaminated objects Proper food handling Isolation precautions

Portals of Entry Proper attire Hand washing Infection control techniques

Susceptible Host Recognize high risk patients Immunization Good nutrition Exercise Rest

Remember--breaking the chain of infection is the responsibility of each health professional.

Standard Precautions Developed by the CDC Applied to all clients regardless of diagnosis and infection status Use when performing procedures requiring contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes or contaminated items. Sg Sg

Hand Washing Tips Sink, handles, and faucet is considered contaminated Use warm water less damaging to skin Liquid soap preferred Friction, sudsing action & alkalinity of soap bar soap and dish are contaminated Keeping fingertips pointed downward Wash palms, backs, sides, between fingers, under and around nails, 2 in up arm 1 ½ to 2 min

When Hands Should Be Washed Beginning and end of shift Between patients After removing gloves and other protective wear

When Hands Should Be Washed When visibly contaminated with blood or tissues Before leaving the patient area Before and after eating, applying makeup, using the bathroom, handling contact lenses, handling equipment

Time for Handwashing Video QFxY QFxY

Aseptic Techniques Medical asepsis or clean techniques designed to prevent spread of disease

Aseptic Techniques Antiseptic Bacteriostatic substances that inhibit the growth of bacteria Can be used on the skin Alcohol and iodine Disinfectant Bactericidal substances that kill bacteria and most viruses Cannot be used on the skin 10% bleach, chemicals, boiling

Aseptic Techniques Sterilization Process destroys all microbes including spores This includes steam or gas under pressure, radiation and chemicals using an autoclave

Aseptic Techniques Surgical asepsis The use of all levels of aseptic techniques to prevent introduction of harmful microorganisms into the patient

Aseptic Techniques Surgical asepsis Be aware of the sterile field Draped in blue Remember: Sterile to sterile = sterile Sterile to unsterile = unsterile Sterile to unsure = contaminated

Isolation An aseptic technique used when patient infected with a communicable disease Protects: HCP, other patients, visitors, community Use PPE Notices posted on door to patient’s room

Types of Isolation Airborne Infections spread through air by small droplets containing pathogens Ex: Tuberculosis, Varicella (chickenpox) PPE: surgical masks &/or HEPA-filter masks at all times Negative pressure room

Types of Isolation Droplet Infections spread through air by large droplets Ex: Pertussis, Influenza PPE: surgical masks w/in 3 ft of patient Glove for environmental contact

Types of Isolation Contact For patients who are infected or colonized by a pathogen that spreads by direct contact Ex: antibiotic resistant bacteria, RSV, Hepatitis A PPE: gloves, gown when entering; remove before leaving

Types of Isolation Reverse Protects patients from pathogens healthcare provider or visitors may have Used when patient immune system is suppressed AIDS pts Chemotherapy pts Burn pts Transplant pts

Asepsis Questions 1. Describe your condition when “fit & well”. 2. What kind of symptoms indicate the presence of disease? 3. What is your experience of methods used to fight disease? 4. Give examples of diseases caused by living organisms. 5. Why do people in developing countries suffer more than in developed countries? 6. List the four major groups of pathogens. 7. Describe how bacteria play a beneficial role. 8. Describe environmental factors influencing how bacteria grow. 9. Explain how viruses differ from bacteria. 10. Explain why viruses are spread so easily and are so hard to get rid of.