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This process is known as the chain of infection, and it only results in infection if all six links of the chain are present and intact . The six links are a causative agent, a source, a means of exit from the body, a method of spread, a way into the body, and a susceptible host .
- The Pathogen
- The Reservoir
- The Portal of Exit
- The Mode of Transmission
- The Portal of Entry
- The Susceptible Host
- How Can We Break The Chain of Infection?
The first link in the chain of infection is the infectious agent or pathogen which can take the form of: 1. Viruses – such as Influenza A, shingles and Hepatitis 2. Bacteria – including Lyme disease and Leptospirosis 3. Fungi – for example Candidiasis and Aspergillosis 4. Parasitic protozoan diseases – such as Malaria, Giardia and Toxoplasmosis 5. ...
A reservoir is the principal habitat in which a pathogen lives, flourishes and is able to multiply. Common reservoirs for infectious agents include humans, animals or insects and the environment. Human reservoirs In humans, there are two forms of reservoir: acute clinical cases (in which someone is infected and is displaying signs and symptoms of t...
The portal of exit is any route which enables a pathogen to leave the reservoir or host. In humans the key portals of exit are: 1. Alimentary – via vomiting, diarrhoea or biting 2. Genitourinary – via sexual transmission 3. Respiratory – through coughing, sneezing and talking 4. Skin – via skin lesions 5. Trans-placental – where transmission is fro...
The two main ways that an infection can be transmittedfrom its reservoir to a susceptible host are via direct transmission or indirect transmission. Direct transmission tends to be instantaneous and occurs when there is direct contact with the infectious agent. Examples include tetanus, glandular fever, respiratory diseases and sexually transmitted...
The portal of entry is the means by which an infection is able to enter a susceptible host. Portals of entry into the human body include: 1. Inhalation (via the respiratory tract) 2. Absorption (via mucous membranes such as the eyes) 3. Ingestion (via the gastrointestinal tract) 4. Inoculation (as the result of an inoculation injury) 5. Introductio...
The last link in the chain of infection is the susceptible host. How susceptible any host will be, depends on a variety of factors: 1. Their age – and in particular if they are very young or very old 2. Whether there is any presence of malnutrition or dehydration 3. Whether there is any underlying chronic disease 4. If the host suffers from immobil...
The healthcare environment can expose patients to infection risks that they may not encounter elsewhere. Understanding how infections become established, and how they are transmitted, is essential for effective infection prevention and control. There are opportunities to break or disrupt the chain at any link: though the rapid and accurate diagnosi...
Dec 7, 2023 · The chain of infection is composed of six different links: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Understanding each link in the chain is critical for preventing the spread of infections and protecting public health. The infectious agent is the microorganism that causes the ...
- Reservoir. The reservoir of an infectious agent is the habitat in which the agent normally lives, grows, and multiplies. Reservoirs include humans, animals, and the environment.
- Portal of exit. Portal of exit is the path by which a pathogen leaves its host. The portal of exit usually corresponds to the site where the pathogen is localized.
- Modes of transmission. An infectious agent may be transmitted from its natural reservoir to a susceptible host in different ways. There are different classifications for modes of transmission.
- Portal of entry. The portal of entry refers to the manner in which a pathogen enters a susceptible host. The portal of entry must provide access to tissues in which the pathogen can multiply or a toxin can act.
Figure 4.1 Chain of Infection. The links in the chain of infection include Infectious Agent, Reservoir, Portal of Exit, Mode of Transmission, Portal of Entry, and Susceptible Host [2]: Infectious Agent: Microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that can cause infectious disease. Reservoir: The host in which infectious ...
Dec 7, 2023 · The chain of infection is a complex process involving various components such as bacteria, viruses, vectors, hosts, and environments that facilitate the spread of contagious diseases. In order to prevent the transmission of infections and ensure public health, healthcare policies play a crucial role in enforcing regulations.
People also ask
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What is the chain of infection & how does it spread?
The chain of components has six sections. They include: Microorganisms: Disease producing, also called pathogens. Virus, parasite, fungus, bacterium. Risk factors: Virulence, pathogenicity, ability to enter host. Reservoir/Source: Environment/habitat where a pathogen can live and multiply.
