Concepts of

Infection
Prevention and
Control

Objectives
To identify fundamental concepts of epidemiology
and microbiology as they relate to Infection
Prevention and Control
Understand the causes of the spread of infection in
health-care settings

Content
Define infection prevention and control
The chain of infection
Causes of the spread of infection in health-care
settings
Areas of risk to the host
Nosocomial Infections
Frequency of nosocomial infection
Impact of nosocomial infections,
Criteria of nosocomial infection
Strategies for prevention

Check this Out

Defining Infection
Prevention and Control
Infection control is a discipline that applies
epidemiologic and scientific principles and
statistical analysis to the prevention or reduction
in rates of nosocomial infection (hospital acquired
infection)
The aim to ensure the protection of those who
might be vulnerable to acquiring an infection

Definitions
Infection- The invasion and multiplication of
microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and
parasites that are not normally present within the
body.
Note: Microorganisms that live naturally in the
body are not considered infections.

Definitions
Infectious
1. Caused by infection or capable of causing
infection (a patient can pass an infection to
another)
2. Easily spread capable of being passed
on from one person to another
3. Of or relating to infection

Definitions
Pathogen - a microorganism that can cause
disease
Contagious - An infectious agent that can be
easily transmitted
Virulence highly infectious

Infectious Disease Process

The Chain of Infection

Infectious
agent
Any microorganism that can
cause a disease such as a
bacterium, virus, parasite, or
fungus.

Reservoir

The place where the

microorganism resides,
thrives, and reproduces

Portal of Exit
The place where the
organism leaves the
reservoir

Means / Mode of
Transmission
The means by which an
organism transfers from
one carrier to another by
either direct transmission
or indirect transmission

Portal Of Exits

Means / Mode of Transmission

Direct
Direct contact
Droplet spread

Indirect
Airborne
Vehicle borne
Vector borne (mechanical or biologic)

Portal of entry
The opening where an
infectious disease
enters the hosts body

Susceptible Host
The individual's
ability to resist
infection or contract
infection

Breaking any link of the chain can stop the transmission of

infection

Fundamental Principles of
Infection Prevention

Transmission Based
Precautions

Transmission Based
Precautions

Transmission Based
Precautions

References
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/generalprinciples-of-infection-control
http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/settings/outpatient/basicinfection-control-prevention-plan2011/fundamental-of-infection-prevention.html
Understanding Emerging and Re-emerging
Infectious Diseases
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK20370/