Ch. 15 Infection Control - Key Terms
helminths
Multicellular parasitic organisms commonly called worms or flukes
hepatitis B
Caused by the HBV virus and is transmitted by blood, serum, and other body secretions
hepatitis C
Caused by the HCV virus and is transmitted by blood and blood-containing body fluids
infectious agent
A pathogen, such as a bacterium or virus that can cause a disease
mode of transmission
A way that the infectious agent can be transmitted to another reservoir or host where it can live
microorganism
A small, living organism that is not visible to the naked eye
non-pathogens
Microorganisms that are part of the normal flora of the body and are beneficial in maintaining certain body processes
opportunistic
Infections that occur when the body’s defenses are weak
pandemic
Exists when the outbreak of disease occurs over a wide geographic area and affects a high proportion of the population
parasite
Organisms that live on or in a host and get their food from or at the expense of their host
pathogens
Microorganisms that cause infection and disease; germs
personal protective equipment
Includes gloves, gowns, lab coats, masks, and face shields to protect an individual from exposure to pathogens
portal entry
A way for the infectious agent to enter a new reservoir or host
portal of exit
A way for the infectious agent to escape from the reservoir in which it has been growing
protective(reverse)isolation
Technique used to provide care to patients who are immunocompromised
protozoa
One-celled animal-like organisms often found in decayed materials, animal or bird feces, insect bites, and contaminated water
reservoir
An area where the infectious agent can live
rickettsiae
Parasitic microorganisms, which means they cannot live outside the cells of another living organism
standard precautions
Rules developed by the CDC to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials
sterile
Free from all organisms, including spores and viruses
sterile field
An area that is set up for certain procedures and is free from all organisms
sterilization
Process that destroys all microorganisms, both pathogenic and nonpathogenic, including spores and viruses
susceptible host
someone likely to get an infection or disease, usually because body defenses are weak
transmission based precautions
Method or technique of caring for patients who have communicable diseases
ultrasonic units
Use sound waves to clean by generating bubbles in a cleaning solution