Introduction to Infection

Prevention and Control

JOANNE O’MAHONY
 What is Infection prevention and control??

Infection prevention and control is the application of

microbiology in clinical practice.

An infection is an invasion of harmful micro-organisms into the

body resulting in illness and disease in the host. The host may
develop signs and symptoms of infection (e.g. increased
temperature, rigors, rash).
 What is Microbiology?
It’s the study of tiny living things called
micro-organisms
Micro-organisms
Can only be seen using a microscope – they are micro in size
Include Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi

They surround us and are everywhere

In the air, soil and water
On our skin and in our bodies
In the food that we eat
On every surface that we touch
 Are all micro-organisms harmful??
No they are not. In fact, most microorganisms are not harmful and
live in and on the human body(host) without causing any harm.
( we are in fact about 90% microbial!!!
Many Microorganisms play a valuable role in digestion and in
protecting the body against invasion by other harmful micro-
organisms.
Can you think of some common uses of micro-organisms?
Common uses of
Micro-organisms

1. Moulds(fungus) are used to make

antibiotics e.g. penicillin
2. Bacteria are used to make cheese
and yoghurts
3. Viruses are used in medical
research
4. Yeast is used in the manufacturing
of beer.
Pathogenic micro-
organisms
Organisms that cause disease are
known as pathogenic micro-
organisms
There are approximately 1,870
known pathogenic organisms.
33% discovered in the last 30
years!
 Types of Micro-organisms

Bacteria

Virus Fungi
 Viruses

Smallest Microorganism - Only

visible using an electronic
microscope.
Attack both plants and animals
Viruses are usually fragile and
do not survive long outside the
human body.
Viruses
Very difficult to kill. Generally they are more resistant to
some disinfectants than most bacteria.
Most viruses are susceptible to heat, except hepatitis virus
Not affected by antibiotics, but can be treated with anti viral
medication e.g. Acyclovir (Zovirax)
How viruses reproduce
Can only multiply in other living cells (host cell)
Depend on the host cell for growth
The host cell dies after the virus has replicated itself
 Covid -19
Colds, Influenza e.g. H1N1
Chicken pox
Measles
Rubella
Viral Meningitis(less dangerous than bacterial)
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
Examples of Mumps

Viral Herpes, cold sores, warts

Hepatitis A,B and C
infections Noro-virus (gastroenteritis)
Covid-19
Currently experts are doing research on the Covid-19 to
determine how long it lives on a surface.
Results are showing it can survive anywhere between 24 and
72 hours on a surface which is very unusual for a virus as it
needs a living host to survive.
Contributing to the rapid spread of the virus during this
pandemic.
Every person is responsible in following guidelines to stop the
rapid spread of the infection.
What the people of Ireland have been
asked to do;
Stay at home
Adhere to Social Distancing Guidelines
Standard Precautions
 Standard precautions
Standard precautions are a set of infection control practices used to prevent
transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, non-
intact skin (including rashes), and mucous membranes.
Standard Precautions should be applied as standard principles by
• ALL healthcare practitioners for the care of
• ALL residents and patients
• ALL the time
Used by healthcare staff when providing care to all individuals, whether or not they
appear infectious or symptomatic.
Standard Precautions include:
1. Occupational Health Programme
2. Hand Hygiene
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
4. Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette Devices
5. Safe Use and Disposal of Sharps
6. Management of a Blood and/or Body
Fluid Spillage
7. Management of Blood/Body Fluid
Exposure
8. Management of Laundry and Linen
9. Environmental Hygiene
10.Client Care Equipment and Medical
11.Resident/Patient Placement,
Movement and Transfer
12.Safe Injection Practices
13.Infection Control Practices for
Lumbar Puncture
Healthcare facilities should ensure the availability of
materials for adhering to respiratory hygiene for
residents/clients and visitors.

• Post signs on Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette.

• Provide disposable tissues and hands free bin.
• If a sink is not available, provide conveniently located dispensers of
alcohol based hand rub to facilitate hand hygiene.
• Post signs at entrance to alert the public not to visit healthcare
settings if they have signs of respiratory infections.
Recap
Q1. Infection control practices that prevent the transmission of disease are called
Mark one answer:
a) Standard precautions
b) Isolation protocols
c) Policies and procedures
d) Hand hygiene mandates
2. What is meant by the term Standard Precautions?
3. List six standard precautions.
4. Explain in detail 2 standard precautions.