_Chain of infection six chains of infections

Chain of infection

1. Concept of Disease

3. •As healthcare professionals, it is important to
understand two things about infection:
–The various ways infection can be transmitted
–The ways the infection chain can be broken

4. There are six
links
in the chain of
infection :

5. 1st - The Infectious Agent
-Any disease-causing
microorganism
(pathogen)

6. 2nd - The Reservoir Host
-The organism in which the
infectious microbes reside

7. Hosts that do not show any outward signs
or symptoms of a disease but are still
capable of transmitting the disease are
known as carriers.
What are “Carrier Hosts”What are “Carrier Hosts”

8. 3rd - The Portal of Exit
-route of escape of the pathogen
from the reservoir.
Examples: respiratory
secretions, blood
exposure, breaks in
skin

9. 4th - The Route of Transmission
-method by which the
pathogen gets from the
reservoir to the new host

10. Transmission may occur through:
Direct contact

11. air

12. Insects/
Vector

13. 5th - The Portal of Entry
-route through which the
pathogen enters its new host

14. Respiratory System
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15. Gastrointestinal System
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16. Urinary & Reproductive Tracts

17. Breaks in Protective Skin Barrier

18. 6th - The Susceptible Host
-the organism that accepts the
pathogen
The support of pathogen life & its
reproduction depend on the
degree of the host’s resistance.

19. Organisms with strong immune Organisms with strong immune
systems are better able to fend off systems are better able to fend off
pathogens. pathogens.

20. Organisms with weakened immune Organisms with weakened immune
systems are more vulnerable to the systems are more vulnerable to the
support & reproduction of pathogens.support & reproduction of pathogens.

21. -The essential part of patient care
& self-protection.
How to interrupt the chain of How to interrupt the chain of
infection:infection:

22. 1. Pathogen Identification
-identification of infectious
agent & appropriate treatment

23. 2. Asepsis & Hygiene
-potential hosts &
carriers must practice
asepsis & maintain
proper personal hygiene

24. 3. Control Portals of Exit
-healthcare personnel must practice
standard precautions:

25. (Control body secretions & wash hands
according to protocol.)

26. 4. Prevent a Route of Transmission
-prevent direct or indirect contact by:
1.Proper hand washing
2.Disinfection & sterilization techniques
3.Isolation of infected patients
4.Not working when contagious

27. 5. Protect Portal of Entry
-Health professionals must make
sure that ports of entry are not
subjected to pathogens.
(nose, mouth, eyes, urinary tract,
open wounds, etc.)

28. 6. Recognition of Susceptible Host
-health professionals must recognize
& protect high-risk patients

29. •Cancer Patients
•AIDS Patients
•Transplant Patients
•Infant & Elderly
Patients

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