AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; caused by HIV, it suppresses the immune system.
bioterrorsim
A piece of equipment that uses steam under pressure or gas to sterilize equipment and supplies.
communicable disease
The use of chemicals to destroy or inhibit pathogenic organisms; usually used on instruments that do not penetrate body tissue
ebola
A process that destroys or kills pathogenic organisms; it is not always effective against spores and viruses.
fungi
An infection or disease that originates outside the body.
aerobic
Microorganisms that require oxygen to live and reproduce
cavitation
Simple, one-celled organisms that multiply rapidly and are classified by shape.
contract precaustions
Objects or areas that do not contain disease-producing organisms and have a minimal chance of spreading infection.
endogenous
Methods used for pathogens transmitted by large-particle droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.
health care- associated
Inanimate objects that contain infectious agents
airborne precautions
Methods used to prevent the spread of pathogens that remain suspended in the air
chain of disinfection
The use of microorganisms or biologic agents as weapons to infect humans, animals, or plants.
contaminated
A disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another.
epidemic
A severe, often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever.
helminths
Simple, plant-like organisms such as yeasts and molds that live on dead organic matter.
anaerobic
Microorganisms that live and reproduce in the absence of oxygen.
chemical disinfection
The process where bubbles created by an ultrasonic unit strike an item and explode, driving the cleaning solution into small spaces.
disinfection
Methods used for patients known or suspected to be infected with microorganisms that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact
exogenous
An infection or disease that originates within the body.
hepatitis B
Infections acquired by an individual in a healthcare facility (formerly known as Nosocomial).
aepsis
The absence of disease- producing microorganisms or pathogens.
clean
A series of events that must occur for an infection to spread from one person to another.
droplet precautions
Organisms and pathogens are present on an object or area.
fomites
An infectious disease that affects a large number of people within a population, community, or region at the same time.
hepatitis C
Multicellular parasitic organisms commonly called worms or flukes.