Ch. 15 Infection Control - Key Terms
Communicable Disease
disease that can occur and spread from one individual to another
Fungi
simple plant-like organisms that live on dead organic matter
Disinfection
A process that destroys pathogenic organisms
Fomites
Objects contaminated with infectious material that contains pathogens
Helminths
Multicellular parasitic organisms commonly called worms or flukes.
Chemical Disinfection
A process that uses chemical disinfectants to destroy or kill pathogenic organisms
Ebola
A filovirus that causes hemorrhagic fever
Bioterrorism
The use of microorganisms, or biological agents, as weapons to infect humans, animals, or plants
Anaerobic
Organisms that live and reproduce in the absence of oxygen
Droplet Precautions
relates to breathing in droplets carrying infections
Cavitation
A process in ultrasonic units where microscopic bubbles explode to drive cleaning solution into small spaces on instruments
Clean
An object or area that does not contain pathogens
Bacteria
Simple, one-celled organisms that multiply rapidly and are classified by shape and arrangement.
Contact Precautions
transmission via direct or indirect contact,
AIDS
caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and suppresses the immune system
Autoclave
piece of equipment used for sterilization that uses steam under pressure, gas, or radiation.
Contaminated
organisms and pathogens are present.
Chain of Disinfection
A series of conditions that must be met for the disease to occur and spread
Asepsis
The absence of disease-producing microorganisms, or pathogens.
Epidemic
An infectious disease that affects a large number of people within a population, community, or region at the same time
Endogenous
An infection or disease that originates within the body
Exogenous
An infection or disease that originates outside the body.
Aerobic
Organisms that require oxygen to live.
Airborne Precautions
applied in the context of preventing the spread of airborne infections
Health Care-Associated Infection
An infection acquired by an individual in a health care facility