Question

1a.) Explain the relationship between the chain and transmission of infection and the conditions that promote the transmission of healthcare associated infections.

1b.) Explain the rationale for standard precautions and the procedures for each isolation category.

Answer 1

Chain of infection is the sequence or series of events through which infection occurs. The sequence is as follows :

- the causative agent

- reservoir

- portal or mode of exit

- mode of transmission

- portal of entry

- susceptible host

An infection can be stopped from occuring by breaking the chain of sequence at any point. Transmission of infection through a proper mode is a part of chain of infection. The mode can be airborne, food borne, direct, indirect, vector borne.

Conditions promoting the transmission of healthcare associated infections:

• invasive procedures
• antibiotic administration
• multi-drug resistant organisms in hospital environment
• Poor infection control
• Poor sterile procedures
• Poor disposal of hospital waste
• Severely ill or immunocompromised patient

2. The rationale is to protect the hospital staff and patients from infections.

The procedures include:

- proper wast disposal to avoid vector borne diseases

- maintain food and water hygiene to prevent food and water borne diseases

- hand hygiene