Pathogen Types
This type of pathogen is a single-celled organism without a true nucleus.
What is a bacterium?
This is the first step: the pathogen must gain entry into the host.
What is entry (or invasion)?
This general term refers to anything about the host that reduces resistance or increases susceptibility.
What are risk factors?
Transmission of pathogens through a physical object or surface is called this.
What is fomite (indirect contact) transmission?
This simplest measure (washing hands or using antiseptic) is a first line of defense.
What is hand hygiene?
These pathogens are obligate intracellular parasites and require a host cell to replicate.
What are viruses?
After entering, pathogens go through this stage when they multiply but before symptoms appear.
What is the incubation period?
A weakened immune system (e.g., in HIV or chemotherapy) is an example of this kind of factor.
What is immunocompromise?
Pathogens spread through droplets produced when a patient coughs or sneezes is this route.
What is droplet transmission?
This barrier protects mucous membranes of eyes, nose, and mouth from droplets.
What is face mask and eye protection (or face shield)?
This pathogen type includes yeasts and molds, and in dentistry may be opportunistic in immunocompromised patients.
What are fungi?
This stage is when the signs and symptoms of disease appear.
What is the clinical disease (or illness) stage?
A break in skin or mucous membranes allows pathogens direct access; this is known as this.
What is a portal of entry?
This occurs when pathogens are carried through air over distances (smaller particles), possibly lasting in air.
What is airborne transmission?
Sterilizing instruments to kill all microbial life represents this level of control.
What is sterilization?
This smallest class of agents (smaller than viruses) consists of infectious proteins.
What are prions?
Some infections never show clinical disease and remain this kind of infection.
What is a subclinical (or asymptomatic) infection?
Poor oral hygiene or high bacterial load in plaque are examples of this kind of host-related influence.
What are local factors?
When a pathogen from one patient is transferred by the hands or gloves of a dental team member to another patient, this is called this.
What is cross-contamination (indirect contact)?
This process reduces the number of microbes on surfaces to safe levels.
What is disinfection?
These are unicellular eukaryotic organisms that may cause disease via protozoal infections.
What are protozoa?
This period occurs after symptoms begin but before they worsen, serving as an early warning.
What is the prodromal period?
Genetic predisposition or underlying systemic disease (e.g., diabetes) are examples of this type of susceptibility.
What are intrinsic (systemic) host factors?
This route involves penetration (e.g., needle stick or sharps injury) as a mode of transmission.
What is parenteral transmission?
This is the concept of “breaking at least one link in the chain of infection” to prevent disease.
What is infection control (or prevention strategy)?