1. Infection Control Practices

2. Principles of Infection Control
Microorganism: A small living organism that is not visible to the naked eye.
Pathogen (Germs): Disease causing organism
Non-pathogen: Non-disease causing organism

3. How Diseases Spread
Most pathogens prefer a warm, dark, moist environment
Need for oxygen varies
Aerobic (requires O2)
Anaerobic (Does not require O2)
Human body is an ideal supplier

4. Microorganism Classifications

5. 1. Viruses Smallest microorganisms Spread by blood and body secretions
Very difficult to kill
Cause many diseases

6. 2. Rickettsiae Parasitic microorganisms
Transmitted to humans by the bites of insects (e.g., fleas, lice, ticks, mites)

7. 3. Fungi Simple, plant-like organisms Live on dead organic matter
EX: Yeast and mold
Antibiotics do not kill

8. 4. Protozoa One-celled, animal-like organism
Found in decayed materials and contaminated water
May have flagella for movement

9. 5. Bacteria Simple, one-celled organisms Multiply rapidly
Classified by shape and arrangement
Cocci: round
Bacilli: rod-shaped
Spirilla: spiral/twisted

10. Antibiotics Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria
Antibiotic-resistant: the antibiotic is no longer effective against the bacteria

11. Chain of Infection Diagram

12. The Chain of Infection Infectious Agent Pathogen must be present
Examples: bacteria or viruses

13. The Chain of Infection Infectious Agent Reservoir Host
Where pathogen can live
Examples: human body, animals, the environment

14. The Chain of Infection Infectious Agent Reservoir Host Portal of Exit
Way for pathogen to escape from the reservoir
Examples: bodily fluids

15. The Chain of Infection Infectious Agent Reservoir Host
Direct contact: person-to-person
Indirect contact: from contaminated substances to the person
Portal of Exit
Mode of Transmission

16. The Chain of Infection Way to enter a new reservoir or host
Examples: breaks in the skin or mucous membranes,
Infectious Agent
Reservoir Host
Portal of Exit
Portal of Entry
Mode of Transmission

17. The Chain of Infection Infectious Agent Reservoir Host
Susceptible Host
Portal of Exit
Individual who can contract the disease
Can usually fight off disease
Portal of Entry
Mode of Transmission

18. Ending the Chain of Infection
Eliminate any step in the chain and infection is stopped
Contamination: contact with pathogens where something becomes unclean

19. Proper hand washing is essential to prevent the spread of infection.

20. Endogenous Exogenous Nosocomial Opportunistic
Originates within the body
Exogenous
Originates outside the body
Nosocomial
Acquired in a health care facility
Opportunistic
Infections that occur when the body’s defenses are down

21. Universal Precautions
Precautions we take for every patient we encounter.
All blood and body fluid are considered to be contaminated.
These are standard

22. Handwashing 
The single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection

23. Methods that Destroy Microorganisms
Antiseptics – solutions that are applied directly to the skin
Ex: handwashing or hand sanitizer

24. Methods that Destroy Microorganisms
Disinfection – strong chemicals such as bleach solution used to kill many pathogen.
used on objects and NOT on the skin

25. Methods that Destroy Microorganisms
Sterilization – the best way to kill ALL microorganisms
Steam under pressure
Autoclave: machine used

26. Bloodborne Pathogens
Pathogenic organisms that are present in blood and bodily fluids that can lead to a disease

27. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Things you wear to prevent spread of blood borne pathogens:
Gloves
Gown
Mask

28. Sharps Container Dispose of all needles in appropriate containers
Never overfill containers
Usually RED in color

30. Hand Hygiene
handout

31. Summary Alcohol-Based Handrubs: What benefits do they provide?
Require less time
More effective for standard handwashing than soap
More accessible than sinks
Reduce bacterial counts on hands
Improve skin condition
In summary, alcohol-based handrubs provide several advantages compared with handwashing with soap and water, because they not only require less time, they also act faster. In addition, alcohol-based handrubs are more effective for standard handwashing than soap, are more accessible than sinks, are the most efficacious agents for reducing the number of bacteria on the hands of healthcare workers, and can even provide improved skin condition.