Key Terms
what is AIDS?
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is caused by HIV and suppresses the immune system, making it impossible to fight off many cancers and infections.
what is Asepsis?
The absence of disease-producing microorganisms, or pathogens.
what is chain of disinfection?
The series of conditions that must be met for disease to occur and spread from one individual to another.
what is Contaminated?
Means that organisms and pathogens are present
what is Epidemic?
An infectious disease that spreads rapidly and affects many people at the same time.
what is Aerobic?
Microorganisms that require oxygen to live.
what is Autoclave?
The most common piece of equipment used for sterilization; it uses steam under pressure to destroy all microorganisms.
what is Chemical disinfection?
A process that uses chemical disinfectants to destroy or kill pathogenic organisms, though not always effective against spores and viruses.
what is Disinfection?
A process that destroys or kills pathogenic organisms but is not always effective against spores and viruses; used mainly on objects.
what is Exogenous?
Means the infection or disease originates outside the body
What is Airborne precautions?
Precautions taken to prevent the spread of infections through the air.
what is Bacteria?
Simple, one-celled organisms that multiply rapidly and are classified by shape and arrangement.
what is Clean?
A state where organisms and pathogens are not present (implied by definition of contaminated).
what is Droplet precautions?
Precautions used to prevent transmission of pathogens through droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing.
what is Fomites?
Objects contaminated with infectious material that contains the pathogens, such as doorknobs or linens
what is Anaerobic?
Microorganisms that live and reproduce in the absence of oxygen.
what is Bioterrorism?
The use of microorganisms, or biologic agents, as weapons to infect humans, animals, or plants.
what is Communicable disease?
A disease that is transmitted from one individual to another.
what is Ebola?
A filovirus that causes hemorrhagic fever, starting with flu-like symptoms and progressing to massive hemorrhaging and death.
what is Fungi?
Simple, plant-like organisms that live on dead organic matter, such as yeasts and molds.
what is Antisepsis?
A process using antiseptics to prevent or inhibit growth of pathogenic organisms; they are usually used on the skin but are not effective against spores and viruses.
what is Cavitation?
A process used by ultrasonic units to clean instruments.
what is Contact precautions?
Precautions used when an infectious agent is transmitted through direct or indirect contact.
what is Endogenous?
Means the infection or disease originates within the body.
what is Health care-associated infection?
An infection acquired by an individual in a health care facility, such as a hospital or long-term care facility.