1. Infection Control
NATCEP Day Ten

2. Objectives
• Identify the basic principle of infection control
• Define terms related to infection control
• Identify reasons why infection prevention and
control are important
• Identify factors that promote growth of
microorganisms
• Identify ways pathogenic microorganisms are
spread

3. Basic Principle
• To reduce the number and hinder the transfer
of microorganisms from one person to another
or from one place to another

4. Importance of Infection
Control and Prevention
• Microorganisms are always present – some
cause disease/infection (pathogens).
• Those more susceptible to pathogens are the
young, old, & those with chronic diseases.
• Safety of the environment increases when we
decrease the of number of microorganisms and
prevent their transfer/spread.
• The actions of the health care team are to
protect residents, family and staff from
infection.

5. Factors that Promote the
Growth of Microorganisms
• Food
• Moisture
• Oxygen
• Temperature
• Light

6. Germs and Their Spread
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Direct
– Blood
– Body Fluid
Indirect
– Linens
– Phone
Through the Air (Droplets)
– Coughing/Sneezing
– Talking
Through a Vehicle
– Contaminated Food, Drugs, etc.
Contact with Animals or Insects
– Bites or stings

7. Chain of Infection

8. Chain of Infection

9. Infectious Agents: Pathogens
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Bacteria
– A type of pathogen treated with antibiotics
– Aerobic or anaerobic
• Aerobic applies to the bacteria requiring free oxygen in order to live. Anaerobic applies
to the bacteria able to live and survive in the absence of oxygen or air.
– Common examples include MRSA, E.Coli; Salmonella, Strep Throat (Streptococcus) Lyme
Disease
Virus
– This type pathogen depends on a host to survive, grow, and reproduce; treat symptoms
– Examples include the common cold; Chicken Pox; Mono; Measles, Flu
Rickettsiae
– This type of pathogen grows in the intestinal tract of insects, and requires a living cell to
grow and multiply; bloodsucking insects such as lice, mites, and ticks carry to humans
– Example is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Fungi
– This type of pathogen thrives in warm, moist environments; treated with anti-fungal
medications
– Examples include yeast infections (thrush), Athletes Foot
Protozoa
– This type of pathogen is a one-celled organism that love moisture and typically spread
infection through contaminated water.

10. Reservoirs
• Any place an infectious agent can survive, grow or
multiple
– People
– Plants
– Animals
– Soil
– Water
– Things
• Medical Equipment

11. Portals of Exit
• Path by which an infectious agent leaves the
reservoir
– Body fluids
– Mouth & Nose
– Cough

12. Modes of Transmission
• 4 modes of transmission
– Contact
• Direct
• Indirect
– Through the Air (Droplets)
• Coughing/Sneezing
• Talking
– Through a Vehicle
• Contaminated Food, Drugs, etc.
– Contact with Animals or Insects
• Bites or stings

13. Portals of Entry
• Path by which an infectious agent enters the host
– Any opening in the body can be a portal (entry)
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Mouth
Eyes
Ears
Mucous membranes
Gastrointestinal tract
Urinary tract
Broken skin

14. Hosts
• Barriers to infection are compromised (weak
or broken)
• How likely?
– Age
– Nutritional status
– Stress
– Environment
– Pre-existing conditions

15. Key Term
• Nosocomial Infection
– An infection acquired while in or visiting a
healthcare facility