Infection- is an invasion of body tissue by microorganisms and their growth there.

Thus, the microorganism is called as infectious agent

Disease- a detectable alteration in normal tissue function. Virulence- refers to the severity and degree a disease can produce.

Asepsis- freedom from disease causing microorganisms. 2 types: a. Medical asepsis- includes all practices to confine a MO to a specific area limiting the number and growth of MO
b. Surgical asepsis- practices that keep an area free from MO, destroys all MO and spores.

Types of MO causing infections

Bacteria- most common infection causing MO. Virus- consists of nucleic acid and must enter living cells to reproduce Fungi- include yeast and molds Parasites- live on other living MO

Types of infections

Local infection- is limited to the specific part of the body where MO remain. Systemic infection- MOs spread and damage different parts of the body.

Acute infections- appear suddenly or last a short time Chronic infections- may occur slowly, over a long period may last months or years.

Nosocomial infections
-

Infections that are associated with delivery of health care services in a health care facility. Most common MOs a.E.coli- urinary tract b.Pseudomonas- surgical sites c.Enterococcus- blood stream d.Staphylococcus- Pneumonia

CHAIN OF INFECTION

CHAIN OF INECTION
1.

Etiologic agent- the extent to which any MO is capable of producing an infectious process depends on:

a. # of MOs b. Virulence and potency of MOs c. Ability of MO to enter the body d. Susceptibility of the host e. Ability of MO to live inside the body

2. Reservoir-

(sources) of MOs e.g. Humans, plants, animals or general environment.

Carrier- a person or animal reservoir of specific agent that does not manifest any clinical signs of disease.

3.

Portal of exit- before an infection can establish itself in a host, the MO must leave the reservoir.
PORTALS OF EXIT

e.g.
BODY RESERVOIR
a.

Resp. tract GI tract Urinary tract

b.

c.

-Nose or mouth trough sneezing, coughing, etc. -Mouth:Saliva, feces, vomitus -Anus:feces, urethral meatus

BODY RESERVOIR

PORTALS OF EXIT

d. Reproductive tract
e. Blood

-Vagina: vaginal discharge

-Open wound, needle puncture -Drainage from cut or wound

f. Tissue

4. Method

of Transmission

3 mechanisms: 1. Direct- involves immediate and direct transfer of MO from person to person through touching, biting, kissing or sexual intercourse. 2. Indirect: a. Vehicle borne- fomites b. Vector borne- insects

3. Airborne- involves droplets or dust.

5. Portal of Entry- before a person can become

infected, MO must enter the body.

6. Susceptible host- any person who is at risk

for infection.

Inflammation

Is a local and nonspecific defensive response of the tissues to an injurious or infectious agent.

Characterized by 5 signs: - Pain, swelling, redness, heat and impaired function.

END