1. The Chain of Infection

2. The various ways infection can be transmitted.
As healthcare professionals, it is important to understand two facts about infection:
The various ways infection can be transmitted.
2. The ways the infection chain can be broken.

3. There are six links in the chain of infection: 1. Causative agent 2
There are six links in the chain of infection: 1. Causative agent 2. Source or reservoir 3. Portal of exit 4. Mode of transmission 5. Portal of entry 6. Susceptible host

4. 1st - The Infectious Agent
-Any disease-causing microorganism (pathogen)

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

6. What are “Carrier Hosts?”
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.

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

8. 4th - Mode of Transmission
The way a causative agent can be transmitted to a host.

9. 5th - The Portal of Entry
A way for the causative agent (pathogen) to enter a new host.
Examples:
Respiratory System (inhalation)
Gastrointestinal System (ingestion)
Urinary & Reproductive Tracts (sexual contact)
Breaks in Protective Skin Barrier

10. 6th - The Susceptible Host
An individual who can contract the disease.
The support of pathogen life and its reproduction depend on the degree of the host’s resistance.
Organisms with strong immune systems are better able to fend off pathogens.
Organisms with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to the support and reproduction of pathogens.

11. Interrupting the Chain of Infection
Pathogen Identification
Asepsis and Hygiene
Control Portals of Entry

12. Pathogen Identification
Identify the infectious (causative) agent (pathogen) in order to treat it appropriately.

13. Asepsis and Hygiene
Potential hosts and carriers must practice asepsis and maintain proper personal hygiene
What is the most important thing we do as healthcare workers to practice asepsis?
Handwashing

14. Control Portals of Exit (Prevention)
Healthcare personnel must practice standard precautions! (Control body secretions and wash hands according to protocol.)
Proper Handwashing
Disinfection & Sterilization Techniques
Isolation of infected patients
Not working when contagious

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

16. 6. Recognition of Susceptible Host
Healthcare professionals must recognize and protect high-risk patients. Cancer Patients
AIDS Patients
Transplant Patients
Infants
Elderly Patients

17. The Chain of Infection Simply Stated
Stopped here 4th Period

18. Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV
Attacks the body’s immune system
Permanent condition
Spread through:
- Sexual secretions
- Blood
- Pregnancy or childbirth
Limited life outside the body
Not transmitted via casual contact
1.1 million people in U.S.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

19. HIV Symptoms Immunosuppressed Appetite loss Weight loss
Recurrent fever
Night sweats
Skin rashes
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes

20. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Caused by HIV
Unable to fight off many cancers and infections
NO cure
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
Prevention
- Abstinence
- Eliminate sharing
* Drug equipment (needles)
* Personal items (razors, toothbrushes)
* ALWAYS incorporate standard precautions

21. Hepatitis B Swelling and inflammation of the liver
EXTREMELY contagious
Most common of many
Can lead to:
- Liver failure
- Cirrhosis (scarring)
- Liver cancer
Transmission:
- Blood
- Unprotected sex
- Unsterile needles
- Childbirth of infected mother
Stopped Here 3rd Period

22. Healthcare Workers Increased risk The CDC recommends vaccinations
Federal law requires employers to provide vaccinations
FREE of charge to employee.
HBV vaccine is effective and safe
Vaccine series:
- Initial injection
- 1 month
- 6 months
- Titer (4-6 weeks after last injection)

23. HIV, AIDS, HBV OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
- Designed to protect employees
in the healthcare field

24. “Remember--breaking the chain of infection is the responsibility
of each healthcare professional.”