INFECTION

Prepared by: KRISTA CAMILLE DE CELIS, RN, LPT

 OBJECTIVES
At the end of the 15-20 minute discussion, the students are expected to:
A. identify and differentiate between the different types of pathogenic agents
B. illustrate the chain of infection
C. enumerate and explain the different modes of transmission of infection
D. identify the different stages of infection
E. enumerate measures to prevent the transmission of infection
 Definition of Terms
infection - the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria,
viruses, and parasites that are not normally present in the body
pathogen – biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host
disease – any harmful deviation from the normal structural or functional state of
an organism, generally associated with certain signs and symptoms
infectious disease – a disease condition caused by the presence or growth of
infectious microorganisms or parasites
 Infectious Agents
 Bacteria
 Viruses
 Fungi
 Parasites
 BACTERIA
 microscopic, single-celled microorganisms
 no well-defined nucleus and other membrane
bound organelles
 genetic material (DNA) is freely floating in the
nucleoid or in separate, circular pieces called
plasmids
 capable of thriving in diverse environments
 classified into groups according to shape
spherical/round: cocci
cylindrical/rods: bacilli
spiral/helical: spirilla
comma: vibrios
corkscrew: spirochetes
 VIRUSES

 microscopic parasites that lack the

capacity to thrive and reproduce outside a
living host

 made up of a core of genetic material

(DNA/RNA) contained within a protective
protein coat (capsid)

 capable of infecting all life-forms

 replicate by infecting host cells and taking

over the cells’ machineries to make exact
copies of themselves
 FUNG
I
 any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms
that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and
molds
 may be single-celled (yeasts) or multicellular
(molds)
 cell walls made of chitin
 heterotrophs: depend on other organisms for food
 can be found in various places
 reproduce through spores
 PARASITES

• organism that lives on or in a host and

depends on its host for survival

• classified into 3 categories

protozoa
helminths (flatworms, thorny-
headed worms, roundworms)
ectoparasites (ticks, fleas, lice, mites)
 STAGES OF
1.
INFECTION
incubation – time between exposure to the pathogen to the initial onset of symptoms.
2. prodrome – onset of general signs and symptoms of illness (fever, pain, soreness, swelling
or inflammation
3. illness - signs and symptoms of disease are most obvious and severe
4. decline - the number of pathogen particles begins to decrease, and the signs and symptoms
of illness begin to decline
5. convalescence – full recovery; return to normal functions
 INFECTION CONTROL & PREVENTION
 hand hygiene: washing with soap and water; use of disinfectants or
sanitizers
 vaccination/Immunizations
 proper handling and preparation of food
 wearing of personal protective equipment (face masks, gloves and
gowns)