Infection Control Understanding the Principles of Infection Control Academy of Technology and Academics Mrs. J. Hodge, RN

Microorganisms Microbe-small living organism not visible to the naked eye. Must use a microscope. Found everywhere in environment, including on and in the human body Beneficial in maintaining certain body processes-non-pathogens

Pathogens Germs Microorganisms causing infection and disease Beneficial organism in one body system can become pathogenic when present in another body system. (E. Coli-natural flora in large intestine or colon.)

Classes of Microorganisms 1. Bacteria-simple, one celled organisms that rapidly multiply. Many different shapes Cause diseases like meningitis, pneumonia, Streptococcus causes severe sore throat (strep throat) and rheumatic fever.

Another type called staphylococci cause infections such as boils, wound infections, and toxic shock. MRSA-Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus-hard to kill and Vancomycin is the only antibiotic to work. Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria.

2. Protozoa-one-celled animal like organisms found in decayed materials and contaminated water. Cause malaria, amebic dysentery, trichomonas, African sleeping sickness. 3. Fungi-simple, plant like organisms that live on dead matter. Cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, yeast vaginitis and thrush. Antibiotics do not kill fungi. Use anti-fungal medications.

4. Rickettsiae-parasitic microorganisms-can not live outside the cells of another living organism. Found in fleas, lice, ticks, and mites. Transmitted to humans by the bites of these insects. Cause typhus fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Antibiotics are used to treat these.

Viruses-smallest microorganism, visible only using an electron microscope. Can’t reproduce unless they are inside another living cell. Spread human to human by blood or body fluids. Viruses are more difficult to kill because they are resistant to many disinfectants and antibiotics. Cause: common cold, measles, mumps, chicken pox, influenza.

Three Viruses of Major Concern to Health Care Providers 1. Hepatitis-caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is transmitted (spread) from blood and body fluids. Affects the liver and can lead to destruction and scarring of the liver cells. Vaccine available in three injections. Expensive-available to all healthcare providers at no cost by the employer.

2. Hepatitis C-caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is transmitted by blood and blood containing body fluids. Asymptomatic-no symptoms Others have mild symptoms-flu-like Can cause serious liver damage. No preventative immunization (vaccine). Hepatitis B and C are difficult to destroy. Remain active for several days in dried blood!

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome-caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and suppresses (weakens) the immune system (protection against a disease). Can not fight off many cancers and infections that would not affect healthy people. No cure nor vaccine available.

Toxins Some pathogens produce poisons called toxins, which harm the body. Pathogenic microorganisms cause infection and disease in different ways. Causes: Tetanus, allergic reactions

Hospital Acquired Infections Acquired-”got it” in a hospital or long term care facility. Called nosocomial infections Transmitted (carried) by health care providers to pts./residents

Many of the pathogens transmitted are antibiotic resistant and can cause serious and even life-threatening infections in pts./residents. Examples: staphylococcus, pseudomonas, and enterococci. Infection control programs are used in health care facilities to prevent and deal with nosocomial infections.

Terms to know R/T spreading of germs Causative agent- pathogen Reservoir-place to live Portal of exit-way for pathogen to escape from reservoir where it was living. Mode of transmission-way spread from one reservoir or host where it can live Portal of entry-way to enter a new reservoir or host

Types of contacts 1. Direct person to person (physical or sexual) or direct contact with a body secretion containing the pathogen. Contaminated hands are one of the most common sources containing the pathogen.

Body Defenses Mucous membrane-traps pathogens Cilia-tiny, hairlike structures that trap pathogens Coughing and sneezing Tears in the eyes Fever Inflammation-leukocytes-white blood cells, destroy pathogens Immune response-produces antibodies that combat pathogens

Susceptible host Occurs if large number of pathogens invade the body, or is the body defenses are weak, and the pt/resident (susceptible host) can contract the infection or disease. See chain of infection diagram figure on page 303.

Asepsis Absence of disease producing microorganisms or pathogens. Common aseptic technique are: proper handwashing, good personal hygiene, use of disposal gloves.

Levels of Aseptic Control Antisepsis-prevent growth of pathogens but not effective against spores and viruses. Used on skin Examples: Betadine and alcohol

Disinfection-process that destroys pathogens Disinfection-process that destroys pathogens. Not effective for spores and viruses. Chemical disinfectants-used on objects Examples: bleach, Lysol Sterilization-destroys ALL microorganisms, including spores and viruses. Autoclave used: Steam under pressure

2nd type of contact 2. Indirect contact-pathogen transmitted from contaminated substances such as food, air, soil, insects, feces, clothing, instruments, and equipment. Examples: touching contaminated equipment and spreading the pathogen on the hands, breathing in droplets carrying airborne infections, and being bitten by an insect carrying airborne infections.

Stay Tuned Proper Handwashing as a health care provider!